This Togatta kokeshi by Fumio Sato (佐藤文男, 1923–1986) is a radiant expression of the Togatta lineage, rendered with a gentle elegance and refined brushwork. The doll features a cheerful, rounded face framed by deep black side bangs and bright red hair ornaments, giving her an expressive and welcoming presence. Her body is adorned with brilliant red chrysanthemum-like floral motifs in vertical arrangement—a hallmark of the Togatta tradition—executed with precision and liveliness. The delicate color gradient and layering of brushstrokes suggest the practiced hand of a craftsman deeply immersed in his art.
Born in Togatta-Shinchi as the eldest son of Sato Tamayo, Fumio came from a family of woodcarvers. His father, Ushizo, was active in Yuda, Iwate Prefecture, and although Fumio couldn’t train directly under him, he inherited the spirit of craftsmanship through his lineage. Instead, he began his journey in 1939 under the guidance of renowned kokeshi master Sato Bunsuke, initially working with a traditional water turbine before transitioning to an electric wheel. Over the years, Fumio refined his craft, working across several workshops, including those of Aizawa Yukio and Maruman Shoten, before eventually going independent.
In his later years, particularly with a series of dolls evoking his father’s aesthetics, Fumio seemed to find peace in synthesis—creating works that are emotionally rich, technically accomplished, and deeply personal.
