Kato Tatsuo Kokeshi Doll – Butterfly (10cm/3.9 inches)

This kokeshi doll by Kato Tatsuo (1940~) is titled 蝶々 (Chocho) which means “Butterfly”. Her kimono and hair are both decorated with numerous butterflies in various designs.

Yosegi-zaiku is a local art in Hakone area, near Tokyo. Artists bundle wood of different natural colors to create elaborate patterns. They shave the top part of the bundled wood to create extremely thin pieces of wood which later is applied onto other wood (often used for boxes for example). One of Kato san’s friends who already passed away was a Yosegi artist and he gave him several sheets which he masterfully uses to enhance the beauty of the dolls.

Kato Tatsuo was born in 1940 in Maebashi city, Gunma prefecture which is home to many famous kokeshi artists. He learned kokeshi doll art under the renowned master Sekiguchi Sansaku and he has won multiple prizes and awards for his beautiful works and contribution to Japanese culture.

In great condition. Comes in the original box with the original wooden sign.

Height: 10cm / 3.9 inches