Dento (traditional) style kokeshi by Izu Touru
Dento “Traditional” Style Kokeshi, newer piece from 2014
Izu Touru (1952– ) is the eldest son of kokeshi maker Izu Mamoru (1925-2019) and from Ginzan, Obanazawa City in Yamagata Prefecture
His uncle was also well-known kokeshi artisan, Izu Sadao (1905～1938), and this particular design of kokeshi has been modeled on his work (marked on base: “Sadao-gata” meaning “Sadao model”)
In 1971, after graduating from the mechanical engineering department of his high school, Touru joined the Self-Defense Forces in Kamimachi
In 1973, he was discharged from the forces and under his father Mamoru, he began training in woodcarving from sourcing materials and basic wood-cutting
Eventually, he began carving kokeshi dolls around 1975 and from 1978, began also painting and colouring the pieces, showing how long the apprenticeship before one can become a fully-fledged kokeshi artisan
He also carved dolls for his elderly father to paint until his passing in 2019
Ginzan Kokeshi dolls, named after Ginza Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture, have been produced kokeshi since 1915
Due to connections with Naruko kokeshi craftsmen at the time, the design shares characteristics such as head shape and narrow waist
Ginzan Kokeshi are also distinguished by their large eyes and black bob hair
They are also called Oshin Kokeshi due to being featured in the popular NHK drama of the same name that aired in 1983
The Izu family are currently the only makers of these dolls and in their third generation
As the craft has been passed down from father to son, they are also known as Izu Kokeshi
Marked on base: artisan signature “Touru”, dated February 8th, Heisei 26 (2014)
SIZE (Approx.)
DIAMETER 4.3CM (1.7") X HEIGHT 20.3CM (8.0")
WEIGHT (without packaging)
150 Grams
CONDITION - EXCELLENT
No noticeable damage. Excellent overall condition.
Vintage, antique and pre-loved items may show some signs of aging or wear. Please inspect the photos carefully before making your purchase.
Please note colours may vary slightly depending on monitor settings.
CARING FOR YOUR KOKESHI
To dust, wipe gently with a dry soft cloth
Avoid touching kokeshi with wet hands as the dye/paint may run
Recommended to keep kokeshi away from direct sunlight to avoid wood from darkening and dye/paint fading
SHIPPING
Free Delivery - please refer to Shipping & Returns for further information.
The Buyer is responsible for any import duties, taxes (VAT), or fees that may apply.
Bundle purchases may be shipped in separate parcels due to size, weight, or fragility.
⚠️ US Customers: Japan Post has suspended shipping to the US from end of August 2025. The Tokyotique will resume shipping to the US once this service reopens.
Please note that since August 29, 2025, additional import fees apply to all commercial parcels entering the US.
Tariffs are not included in the item price and must be paid by the customer upon delivery.
Please confirm details with your local customs office.
Dento (traditional) style kokeshi by Izu Touru
Dento “Traditional” Style Kokeshi, newer piece from 2014
Izu Touru (1952– ) is the eldest son of kokeshi maker Izu Mamoru (1925-2019) and from Ginzan, Obanazawa City in Yamagata Prefecture
His uncle was also well-known kokeshi artisan, Izu Sadao (1905～1938), and this particular design of kokeshi has been modeled on his work (marked on base: “Sadao-gata” meaning “Sadao model”)
In 1971, after graduating from the mechanical engineering department of his high school, Touru joined the Self-Defense Forces in Kamimachi
In 1973, he was discharged from the forces and under his father Mamoru, he began training in woodcarving from sourcing materials and basic wood-cutting
Eventually, he began carving kokeshi dolls around 1975 and from 1978, began also painting and colouring the pieces, showing how long the apprenticeship before one can become a fully-fledged kokeshi artisan
He also carved dolls for his elderly father to paint until his passing in 2019
Ginzan Kokeshi dolls, named after Ginza Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture, have been produced kokeshi since 1915
Due to connections with Naruko kokeshi craftsmen at the time, the design shares characteristics such as head shape and narrow waist
Ginzan Kokeshi are also distinguished by their large eyes and black bob hair
They are also called Oshin Kokeshi due to being featured in the popular NHK drama of the same name that aired in 1983
The Izu family are currently the only makers of these dolls and in their third generation
As the craft has been passed down from father to son, they are also known as Izu Kokeshi
Marked on base: artisan signature “Touru”, dated February 8th, Heisei 26 (2014)
SIZE (Approx.)
DIAMETER 4.3CM (1.7") X HEIGHT 20.3CM (8.0")
WEIGHT (without packaging)
150 Grams
CONDITION - EXCELLENT
No noticeable damage. Excellent overall condition.
Vintage, antique and pre-loved items may show some signs of aging or wear. Please inspect the photos carefully before making your purchase.
Please note colours may vary slightly depending on monitor settings.
CARING FOR YOUR KOKESHI
To dust, wipe gently with a dry soft cloth
Avoid touching kokeshi with wet hands as the dye/paint may run
Recommended to keep kokeshi away from direct sunlight to avoid wood from darkening and dye/paint fading
SHIPPING
Free Delivery - please refer to Shipping & Returns for further information.
The Buyer is responsible for any import duties, taxes (VAT), or fees that may apply.
Bundle purchases may be shipped in separate parcels due to size, weight, or fragility.
⚠️ US Customers: Japan Post has suspended shipping to the US from end of August 2025. The Tokyotique will resume shipping to the US once this service reopens.
Please note that since August 29, 2025, additional import fees apply to all commercial parcels entering the US.
Tariffs are not included in the item price and must be paid by the customer upon delivery.
Please confirm details with your local customs office.
