This graceful Naruko-style kokeshi was created by 遊佐博志 (Hiroshi Yusa, 1953–2003), a craftsman connected to two important Naruko kokeshi lineages — the Okazaki family and the Yuza family of Miyagi Prefecture. The doll beautifully reflects the refined elegance and gentle warmth associated with modern Naruko craftsmanship.
The kokeshi features a rounded head with delicately painted eyes, softly arched brows, and tiny red lips that create a serene and quietly affectionate expression. The bold black hair is accented with vivid red floral ornaments framing the face, adding a lively contrast against the pale natural wood. The facial proportions are particularly balanced and refined, revealing the careful brush control and sensitivity for which Hiroshi Yusa’s work is admired.
Its cylindrical body is decorated with vibrant red floral motifs and soft gray leaves, painted in a harmonious composition that preserves the clean simplicity of Naruko-style design. Fine rokuro lines in red and green circle the neck and base, emphasizing the elegant turning techniques characteristic of the tradition. The smooth lacquered finish and beautifully preserved wood grain further enhance the doll’s refined appearance.
Hiroshi Yusa was born in Naruko in 1953 as the sixth son of the respected craftsman Okazaki Seikichi. From a young age, he studied woodworking under his father while attending technical school. Later, after marrying Taeko, daughter of Yuza Kozo, he joined the Yuza family and continued producing kokeshi under the Yuza name, bridging two influential Naruko lineages. A devoted artisan throughout his life, he also taught painting techniques to his wife Taeko and mentored apprentice Chiba Yuichi. Though his life was cut short in 1997 at the age of 51, his works remain appreciated for their sincerity, precision, and warmth.
