{"product_id":"kokeshii-doll-by-sato-zenji-naruko-kei-miyagi-prefecture","title":"Kokeshi Doll by Sato Zenji (Naruko-Kei, Miyagi Prefecture)","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"213\" data-end=\"676\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"213\" data-end=\"225\"\u003eThe Item\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"213\" data-end=\"676\"\u003eHand-carved and hand-painted in the Naruko style, this \u003cem data-start=\"283\" data-end=\"292\"\u003ekokeshi\u003c\/em\u003e doll by master craftsman \u003cstrong data-start=\"318\" data-end=\"332\"\u003eSato Zenji\u003c\/strong\u003e embodies the quiet precision and warmth of Tōhoku’s folk traditions. Each doll is made from a single piece of mizuki (dogwood) wood, turned on a lathe, and finished with natural pigments and wax. The head and body are joined with a friction fit, allowing for a subtle, satisfying squeak when turned, a signature feature of the Naruko lineage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"678\" data-end=\"868\"\u003eNo two are identical. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThe slender body, decorated with fine red \u003cem data-start=\"590\" data-end=\"603\"\u003ekasane-jima\u003c\/em\u003e bands, and the stylized floral hair ornaments are hallmarks of the region’s design language: restrained yet tenderly expressive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"875\" data-end=\"1225\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"875\" data-end=\"888\"\u003eThe Designer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"875\" data-end=\"1225\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"891\" data-end=\"912\"\u003eSato Zenji (佐藤善治)\u003c\/strong\u003e is a second-generation \u003cem data-start=\"936\" data-end=\"945\"\u003ekokeshi\u003c\/em\u003e artisan from Naruko Onsen, one of the six traditional \u003cem data-start=\"1000\" data-end=\"1009\"\u003ekokeshi\u003c\/em\u003e lineages (\u003cem data-start=\"1020\" data-end=\"1025\"\u003ekei\u003c\/em\u003e) of the Tōhoku region. Carrying forward techniques passed down since the Edo period, Sato’s work is known for its refined proportions, luminous finishes, and the tender humanity of its expressions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1232\" data-end=\"1677\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1232\" data-end=\"1249\"\u003eThe Tradition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1232\" data-end=\"1677\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"1252\" data-end=\"1261\"\u003eKokeshi\u003c\/em\u003e dolls originated in the late Edo period (1603–1868) as children’s toys and souvenirs for visitors to the hot springs of northern Japan. Artisans in each village developed their own distinctive styles, reflecting regional character and aesthetic sensibility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1232\" data-end=\"1677\"\u003eThe Naruko style—defined by its straight body, rounded head, and vividly painted chrysanthemum or plum-blossom motifs—is among the oldest and most beloved.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1684\" data-end=\"2081\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1684\" data-end=\"1699\"\u003eThe Culture\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1684\" data-end=\"2081\"\u003eIn Japan, \u003cem data-start=\"1712\" data-end=\"1721\"\u003ekokeshi\u003c\/em\u003e are often said to embody the spirit of \u003cem data-start=\"1761\" data-end=\"1772\"\u003eyasashisa\u003c\/em\u003e—gentleness, simplicity, and emotional warmth. Over time, they’ve come to represent both nostalgia for rural craftsmanship and the enduring beauty of imperfection. To hold one is to feel the intimacy of handwork, the rhythm of seasonal life, and the quiet persistence of a tradition kept alive through care.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Another Country","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47680567050491,"sku":null,"price":250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0747\/2064\/1275\/files\/Sato-Zenji.jpg?v=1762462677","url":"https:\/\/inanothercountry.co\/products\/kokeshii-doll-by-sato-zenji-naruko-kei-miyagi-prefecture","provider":"Another Country","version":"1.0","type":"link"}