A beautiful vintage Tsuchiyu-style Kokeshi by renowned Japanese artisan Hiromichi Saito (斎藤弘道, 1930–2025) from Tsuchiyu Onsen, Fukushima Prefecture.
Its slender, slightly tapered body is beautifully adorned with traditional red and black horizontal stripes (ロクロ線 / Rokuro-sen), carefully applied using a rotating lathe. The warm natural wood tones and rhythmic decorative patterns create a harmonious design, reflecting the refined craftsmanship of traditional Tsuchiyu kokeshi.
Hiromichi Saito born on August 8, 1930, in Tsuchiyu, Fukushima Prefecture, Hiromichi Saito was the grandson of Taijiro Saito (斎藤太治郎), an influential craftsman in the Tsuchiyu kokeshi tradition.
Following the Great Fire of Tsuchiyu in 1954, he decided to pursue kokeshi making and formally began his woodworking apprenticeship under Shoichi Sato in 1955.
He started exhibiting his own kokeshi in 1956 and, around 1958, began developing works inspired by his grandfather Taijiro's distinctive style, establishing himself as an important successor to the family tradition.
Beyond kokeshi, Saito also produced traditional wooden toys, including spinning tops and miniature wooden objects. He remained dedicated to passing down his craftsmanship, teaching younger artisans and members of his family.
Size: 4 x 4 x 19cm
