Réka Tóth-Vásárhelyi | 蓮華(レンカ)

Katagami Kokeshi
b.1975

Birth City: Budapest, Hungary
Master: Aoki Ryoka

About👤

Réka Tóth-Vásárhelyi, founder of Katagami Kokeshi, has nurtured a deep fascination with Japanese culture since the age of ten. Her passion later led her to Kobe University, where she studied under a prestigious scholarship program, allowing her to immerse herself in Japanese art and culture for two formative years.

Since 2011, she has been creating Kokeshi under her unique vision, blending tradition with contemporary design. An accomplished author, she has published several books on Kokeshi and has also extended her creative reach into fashion, launching a clothing line inspired by the art form. Her work reflects both aesthetic sensitivity and inventive spirit: alongside her beautifully crafted dolls, she designs functional and imaginative pieces such as wardrobes, nesting dolls, and baby rattles.

Her contribution to the art of Kokeshi has earned her distinguished recognition in Japan. She became the first foreign artist to receive the Governor’s Award of Miyagi Prefecture at a national Kokeshi competition. In 2017, her innovative Kokeshi rattle was honored with an award by the Mayor of Ebina at the 59th National Kokeshi Competition.

Tóth-Vásárhelyi’s work has been featured in numerous magazines, news outlets, and specialized publications, including Kokeshi Trends. We at KV are proud to present her remarkable creations on our platform and within the pages of Kokeshi Trends Journal, celebrating a truly original voice in the evolving world of Kokeshi art.

Awards🏅

61st All Japan Competition Gunma Prefecture; Governor's Award
58th All Japan Competition Gunma Prefecture; Economy Trade & Industry Minister's Award
2018 National Modern Kokeshi Exhibition; Special Jury Award
and others

Other📑

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