Donko Kokeshi date back to the late 1950's. Artisan's like Hiroi Masaaki recall making the bodies for other's to paint in the Sendai area their place of birth. The 1956 book "Kokeshi Doll" Publisher Kawade Shobo, gave some insight into how these Kokeshi were made. Often a group of artisan's would come together and each one had a task to complete in the creation process.

There are 6 steps to creating Donko Kokeshi. Splitting the wood, wood turning, wood burning, painting, polishing and assembling. Classes held in Shibukawa often consisted of a group of ladies that would paint the design elements for Donko Kokeshi. Even today there are still classes teaching Kokeshi painting.

While most Donko Kokeshi are unsigned or just have an onsen hanko there exists some that are signed. Surprisingly by well-known sōsaku and dentō artisans such as Watanabe Masao and Sato Norio. All sorts of unique Donko Kokeshi have been created such as book ends, lamps, and even lighters!