Togatta School dento (“traditional”) kokeshi figurine, Miyagi prefecture, Japan.  
Master Morimasa Sato (1926-2017), signed. Circa 1979. Collectible. 

A true piece of art - showcases the delicate interplay between the natural beauty of the wood grains and the expression of the Togatta traditional decorative pattern. Elegant, stylish, yet very authentic. 

This vintage figurine is very well preserved. The 10-inch size will make it a visible accent in your home.  

Height: approximately 9.75 inches (24.5 cm)
Weight: approximately 0.64 lbs (290 g). 
Head diameter: approximately 3.2 inches (80 cm). 

 

Sato Morimasa (佐藤 守正)

Sato-san was born on December 4, 1926 in Fukushima. He is the great-grandson of Sato Shunemon (Togatta). After high school, he went to work in Tokyo as a clerk in a power company. Finally, at the end of the war, he returned to Togatta and trained with his uncle in kokeshi making. In1968, he opened his own workshop and a store to sell kokeshi.

Sato-san had several disciples who grew to become well known masters, including Sato Jiro and Takahashi Hiroe. 

 

Togatta School

Togatta school is considered one of the oldest among the Traditional schools. It originated from the Tougatta Onsen in the Miyagi Prefecture and subsequently expanded to Aone Onsen and the towns of Sendai and Izumi. In the 1960s, Togatta craftsmen founded the Tougatta Kiji Union, a cooperative that was able to obtain access to reserved wood from the Japanese Ministry of Forestry.  

The Togatta kokeshi is popular among collectors for the rich variability of its styles and high grade of the wood the figurines are made of.

 

Dento Kokeshi

Dento ("traditinoal") kokeshi have been produced mostly in the Tohoku district in northeastern Honshu, Japan. Traditional kokeshi is characterized by its distinct style that remains little changed. Old kokeshi are praised for their authentic character and are often collectible items.

 

For shipping outside of US, please inquire.

 

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