Tohgatta is a historical hot springs, located at the east side of Zao mountans
in Miyagi Prefecture, and craftsmen live in Shinchi across Matsukawa River
from Tohgatta hot springs. Tohgatta is one of the original Kokeshi producing
site, and many other sites established their Kokeshi styles with the influence
of Tohgatta.
The dolls of Tohgatta have a red radial design of chrysanthemums called
TEGARA on their heads with green "leaves" around a black bang
above the forehead. The bodies have Chrysanthemums painted on them and
sometimes just lines. The bodies are rather slender, which is reminiscent
of the days when small children carried Kokeshi covered with cusion on
their back. These dolls appear brighter and more colourful than some of
the other groups.
Sato Matsunoshin (1875 - 1942)
This Kokeshi is the type of Tohgatta group,
which was made early 1920s.
