A vintage Tsugaru kokeshi crafted by Tetsunori Okuse, an important artisan from Kuroishi City in Aomori Prefecture, the heartland of the Tsugaru kokeshi tradition. This piece is notable for its rare Daruma face motif, a bold and symbolic element unique to Okuse’s work.
The doll features a wide-shouldered form tapering toward the base, with a simple yet warm face painted with rounded brows, closed eyes, and a gentle smile. The upper body is decorated with red linear and circular patterns, while the lower section displays an intense and detailed Daruma mask, traditionally symbolizing perseverance and good fortune. The combination of classic kokeshi form with this dramatic motif reflects the blend of folk tradition and personal creativity that characterizes the Tsugaru school.
Tetsunori Okuse was born in 1940 and was the son of Gisaburo Okuse (奥瀬鉄則), a respected Tsugaru kokeshi maker. He learned the craft from his father and further developed his unique style. Active from the mid-1960s onward, Tetsunori gained recognition for integrating traditional design with bold folk expressions, including mythic and religious imagery such as Daruma and Hannya masks. His work was admired in national exhibitions, and he was awarded multiple prizes for his distinctive artistic voice.
Okuse’s dolls are now rare and highly valued by collectors, especially pieces like this one that showcase his signature Daruma design.
