Honda Nobuo – Master of Nakanosawa-Tsuchiyu Daruma & Kokeshi

Honda Nobuo (本多信夫, 1918–1995) was a Japanese kokeshi-shi from Nakanosawa, located in Inawashiro City, Fukushima Prefecture. He belonged to the Tsuchiyu tradition, one of the oldest regional lineages within traditional Kokeshi making.

He is best known as a key representative of the Nakanosawa style, a sub-tradition within Tsuchiyu distinguished by its powerful expression and strong character, evident in both Daruma figures and Kokeshi dolls.

Style and characteristics

The work of Honda Nobuo is characterized by:

• Robust, solid forms with clearly visible hand-turned lines

• Strongly expressive faces, often with an intense, focused gaze

• Traditional Tsuchiyu decoration, sometimes complemented by simple floral motifs

• A direct, artisanal appearance without excessive refinement

• Handwritten signature on the base

His Daruma figures are closely rooted in the folk art traditions of Nakanosawa and are valued for their lively presence and spiritual expressiveness, rather than for strict symmetry or perfection.

Cultural and collectability

The Kokeshi and Daruma made by Honda Nobuo are appreciated by collectors as authentic and sincere representations of the Tsuchiyu tradition.
They embody a form of folk craftsmanship in which expression, character, and handwork take precedence, and they represent an important part of the heritage of the Nakanosawa school.