-Three iconic Japanese wooden dolls, handcrafted in northern Japan
-The doll on the left is 7” tall, the base is 27.75mm in diameter, the middle doll is 7.25” tall, the base is 27.8mm in diameter, and the doll on the right is 7” tall, the base is 39.2mm in diameter,
-Made in the Tsuchiyu style
-The two dolls on the left are carved in the conical style, with a slim neck widening to the base, and the doll on the right has a curved torso with a wide base
-All three have delicate, quiet expressions, with black bangs in a rounded shape, with side bangs
-The black circles on the top of the head, known as Janome, are accented with red looping bows
-The doll on the left is decorated in long red and green irises, the middle doll has one large chrysanthemum stretching along the height of the body, and the doll on the right has large bands of natural wood and red with slim lathe lines in deep green
-Made by Yoshitaka Takahashi
-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The iconic wooden dolls from Japan were originally made as souvenirs for hot springs in northern Japan.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.