This Naruko-style kokeshi was made by Akinori Ito (伊藤昭徳, 1942– ), a second-generation kokeshi maker from Naruko, one of the most esteemed regions for traditional kokeshi in Miyagi Prefecture.
Born on March 19, 1942, in the Akayu area of Naruko-cho, Akinori Ito grew up in a family deeply rooted in woodworking. His father, Bunshiro Ito, was a local craftsman, and his elder brother Fumihiro Ito studied under the famed Onuma Chika, establishing himself as a respected kokeshi maker. In 1960, after finishing junior high school, Akinori began training in woodworking under his brother Fumihiro’s guidance.
Because Fumihiro and his wife Chiyoko had no children, they adopted Akinori, who went on to inherit and continue the family’s kokeshi-making tradition. Carrying forward Fumihiro’s craftsmanship, Akinori has maintained the essence of Naruko-style kokeshi, known for their balanced forms, hand-painted chrysanthemum or camellia motifs, and gently expressive faces.
This particular doll is an elegant 30cm piece, featuring the classic Naruko silhouette with a slightly flared body and rounded head. The body is adorned with Ito's signature large floral brushwork in soft, muted red and green tones—now faded with time, adding a layer of nostalgic beauty. The doll's sweetly smiling face, framed by bold black hair with delicate red floral accents, embodies the refined simplicity that defines traditional Naruko dolls.
Akinori Ito’s works are increasingly rare on the market today and are treasured by collectors for their fidelity to postwar Naruko tradition and for preserving the legacy of the Ito family craftsmanship.
Size: 8 x 8 x 30cm
