Artisan | Interactive Toymaker: Katakura, Tomio | 1936-

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Katakura-san’s specialization was the popular “squeaking child” dolls and toys, which are made of two pieces, with the head being attached to the body via a snap-in projection, allowing it to be turned, thus making the squeak. The bangs, set wide apart, are the definitive feature of the heads. His toys are very balanced, spin beautifully, and typically have paintings of chrysanthemum.

Origin:

Katakura-san is a traditional Narugo toy maker who focused on spinning tops, (Koma), and who studied under master Onuma, Chikara. They originally came from Narugo Onsen in Miyagi Prefecture.