-Two iconic Japanese wooden dolls, handcrafted in northern Japan
-The taller doll is 8.75” tall, and it’s base is 45.8mm in diameter, and the shorter doll is 7.75” tall with a 50.3mm base
-Made in the Sakunami style
-Both dolls have expressive faces with teardrop noses, double lid eyes, and both split and side bangs with red chrysanthemum accents around the hair and top of the head
-These dolls have the characteristic bodies that taper at the bottom, with a more unusual feature of wide, stable bases
-Both dolls are decorated with slim lathe lines in red and green, with highly abstracted flowers on the front
-Made by Kenjiro Hiraga
-Each doll is signed by the maker
-Each kokeshi comes with a package of non-staining Museum Putty to secure your doll
NOTE All kokeshi are included in our $8 Flat Shipping Rate and can be combined with any fabric order
The iconic wooden dolls from Japan were originally made as souvenirs for hot springs in northern Japan. Once given as toys to children, today kokeshi are collected as irresistible examples of Japanese folk art.
Crafted by woodworkers known as kijishi, no two kokeshi are alike. The wooden shapes, painted motifs, and facial features are all characteristic of the specific region where the kokeshi are made.
To learn more about kokeshi +click here
To meet Sally Crowe and her kokeshi family +click here
The patterns on the kokeshi are created with water-soluble paints and dyes so they are non-toxic. Do not wash your doll with water but instead wipe with a dry cloth.
The painted patterns will fade over time and the wood will age to a tawny patina. This adds to the beauty of your kokeshi.
To secure your doll, be sure to use the provided Museum Putty.
Okan Arts sources vintage kokeshi from collectors across Japan.
Note that these dolls are pre-owned and may have small scratches or flaws to the finish.
Also, the photos of the kokeshi may not show completely accurate colors due to the varying calibrations of device screens.