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This large traditional kokeshi was made by Ariji Shizuo (有路静夫, born 1939), a craftsman within the Zao Takayu tradition who produced his distinctive kokeshi in Jōgi near Sendai.
The tall, slender body is made from warm natural wood and richly decorated with large red floral motifs and green foliage. Broad red bands at the top and bottom of the body add rhythm to the composition and echo the red accents around the head.
The large rounded head has a calm and friendly expression, with delicately painted eyes, a small red mouth and dark hair sections. The restrained face combined with the vivid floral decoration gives the piece an elegant yet lively character.
Ariji Shizuo trained under Ishiyama Sanshirō and began independently producing kokeshi in 1961 near Jōgi Nyorai in Sendai. His work belongs to the Zao Takayu-kei and is also known as Jōgi Kokeshi. Alongside traditional forms, he developed his own decorative designs, including motifs based on warabi and rhododendron.
A particularly interesting feature of this example is the original handwritten inscription on the reverse:
トヨタ東北ブロック会記念
昭和五十三年 四月二十三日
This can be translated as:
"Commemorating the Toyota Tōhoku Block gathering – 23 April 1978."
Thanks to this inscription, this particular kokeshi can be dated unusually precisely to 23 April 1978, during the Shōwa period.
The underside bears the handwritten maker's signature of Ariji Shizuo.
At 36 cm tall and weighing 840 g, this is a substantial decorative example. The combination of a confirmed maker, an exact date and the original commemorative inscription also gives the piece an interesting element of provenance.
Dimensions
Height: 36 cm
Weight: 840 g
Signature: present on the underside
Discover more about the meaning and history of traditional Kokeshi in our Tamashii Guide.
Every vintage piece in our collection has its own story and bears the marks of its past. Please examine the photographs carefully for an honest impression of its condition and any signs of age or use.
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