Handmade Japanese Kokeshi - Doll - Japan
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Set of four vintage kokeshi dolls, three Naruko-style and one plum blossom Sōsaku doll by Miyashita Hajime, carved from wood in Japan, unboxed, in good condition, tallest 27 cm with a 7.5 cm square base (7.5 × 7.5 cm) and total weight 1.312 kg.
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Description from the seller
Item Description
Set of Four Vintage Kokeshi Dolls. 3 Naruko-Style Kokeshi Dolls and 1 Plum Blossom Kokeshi – Vintage Sōsaku Doll by Miyashita Hajime.
A graceful trio of vintage kokeshi dolls in the Naruko tradition, one of Japan's most celebrated kokeshi-producing regions, easily identified by the paper label reading "鳴子系" affixed to the base of one piece. Turned from a single piece of wood on a lathe, each doll features the classic round head and gently tapered body characteristic of Naruko kokeshi, prized for the distinctive squeaking sound their heads make when turned — a mechanical detail unique to this regional style.
The three dolls are graduated in height, creating a pleasing visual rhythm when displayed together. Each is hand-painted with a warm palette of red and gold, featuring bold chrysanthemum and peony-style florals on the body and delicate floral hair ornaments framing serene, closed-eyed faces with softly smiling expressions.
A charming and evocative example of traditional Japanese folk craft, this set would make a striking addition to any kokeshi collection or a warm, characterful accent to a curated interior.
Size
Height: 27 cm (tallest of the three)
Width: 7.5 cm
Depth: 7.5 cm
Weight
1,312 g / 1.312 kg (total weight of all three dolls)
Condition
The dolls show light overall wear consistent with age, with no major damage; a small area of surface staining is visible near the base of the smallest doll, otherwise the painted decoration remains bright and well preserved.
NOITICE:
The lot will be carefully packaged and sItem Description
A charming vintage sōsaku kokeshi (creative kokeshi doll) by the acclaimed Japanese wood-turning artist Miyashita Hajime. Turned from a single piece of wood, this piece has a deep burgundy lacquered finish with a hand-painted plum blossom (ume) motif cascading down the body in soft orange and white tones — a classic symbol of resilience and early spring in Japanese art. The rounded head is topped with a delicately carved and lacquered red ribbon, a signature decorative touch, while the doll's serene, downcast expression with fine painted eyelashes and a small coral-red mouth gives it a gentle, contemplative character typical of Miyashita's work.
Kokeshi originated in the Tōhoku region of Japan as simple wooden toys made by woodworkers from offcuts, evolving over the 20th century into a respected art form. Miyashita Hajime is one of the most decorated kokeshi artists of the modern era, and this piece reflects the refined proportions, smooth lacquer work, and warm palette that earned him national recognition.
This is a lovely tabletop piece for collectors of Japanese folk art, ideal for display on a shelf or writing desk.
Size
Height: 14.5 cm
Width: 6.5 cm
Depth: 6.5 cm
Weight
170 g / 0.17 kg
Condition
No notable scratches or stains are present; there is minor surface wear consistent with age that is not readily visible. The doll comes without its original box.
Artist Profile
Miyashita Hajime (born 1940, Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture) is a distinguished creator of sōsaku kokeshi (creative kokeshi), a modern branch of the traditional Japanese wooden doll craft. Over his career he received several of Japan's most prestigious kokeshi honours, including the Forestry Agency Director-General's Award at the All-Gunma Modern Kokeshi Contest (1972), the Minister of International Trade and Industry's Award at the All-Japan Kokeshi Contest (1974), and the Prime Minister's Award at the All-Japan Kokeshi Contest (1977) — one of the highest accolades in the field. His work is prized for its smooth, rounded forms and delicate hand-painted floral motifs.
Note:
The item will be carefully packaged and shipped by Japan Post or DHL, depending on the situation.
Due to the changes to the EU tax-free (VAT) system, Japan Post has become unable to ship certain goods valued at €150 or less to an increasing number of European countries. Depending on the destination and circumstances, the shipping method may therefore be changed from Japan Post to DHL.
Delivery normally takes approximately 3 weeks, or up to 3 months if the item is shipped by sea.
Please note that import duties, taxes, customs fees, and other charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility.
For customs clearance, your local customs office or delivery company may contact you by phone or email. To avoid any delays or the return of the parcel, please ensure that you can respond promptly to any such requests. If the parcel is returned due to an inability to contact you or complete customs clearance, additional shipping charges, which may be more than twice the original shipping cost, will apply for reshipment.
Thank you for your kind understanding and cooperation. We will do our utmost to ensure that your item arrives safely and without any issues.
Seller's Story
A Japanese living in Japan, I appreciate traditional and modern art.
I specialize in selecting artworks that reflect quiet strength, refined beauty, and timeless craftsmanship of Japanese culture. My collection focuses on pieces that carry a story—whether traditional ukiyo‑e prints, contemporary works inspired by wabi‑sabi aesthetics, or handcrafted items created by regional artisans.
With years of experience working closely with artists, studios, and collectors across Japan, I take pride in offering works that are both visually compelling and culturally meaningful. Every item is carefully curated for authenticity, condition, and artistic value, ensuring that bidders can participate with confidence.
My goal is to connect international collectors with the richness of Japanese artistry—pieces that bring harmony, character, and a touch of Japan’s spirit into your home.
I look forward to sharing these works with you and hope they inspire the same appreciation and joy they bring to me :)
Translated by Google TranslateItem Description
Set of Four Vintage Kokeshi Dolls. 3 Naruko-Style Kokeshi Dolls and 1 Plum Blossom Kokeshi – Vintage Sōsaku Doll by Miyashita Hajime.
A graceful trio of vintage kokeshi dolls in the Naruko tradition, one of Japan's most celebrated kokeshi-producing regions, easily identified by the paper label reading "鳴子系" affixed to the base of one piece. Turned from a single piece of wood on a lathe, each doll features the classic round head and gently tapered body characteristic of Naruko kokeshi, prized for the distinctive squeaking sound their heads make when turned — a mechanical detail unique to this regional style.
The three dolls are graduated in height, creating a pleasing visual rhythm when displayed together. Each is hand-painted with a warm palette of red and gold, featuring bold chrysanthemum and peony-style florals on the body and delicate floral hair ornaments framing serene, closed-eyed faces with softly smiling expressions.
A charming and evocative example of traditional Japanese folk craft, this set would make a striking addition to any kokeshi collection or a warm, characterful accent to a curated interior.
Size
Height: 27 cm (tallest of the three)
Width: 7.5 cm
Depth: 7.5 cm
Weight
1,312 g / 1.312 kg (total weight of all three dolls)
Condition
The dolls show light overall wear consistent with age, with no major damage; a small area of surface staining is visible near the base of the smallest doll, otherwise the painted decoration remains bright and well preserved.
NOITICE:
The lot will be carefully packaged and sItem Description
A charming vintage sōsaku kokeshi (creative kokeshi doll) by the acclaimed Japanese wood-turning artist Miyashita Hajime. Turned from a single piece of wood, this piece has a deep burgundy lacquered finish with a hand-painted plum blossom (ume) motif cascading down the body in soft orange and white tones — a classic symbol of resilience and early spring in Japanese art. The rounded head is topped with a delicately carved and lacquered red ribbon, a signature decorative touch, while the doll's serene, downcast expression with fine painted eyelashes and a small coral-red mouth gives it a gentle, contemplative character typical of Miyashita's work.
Kokeshi originated in the Tōhoku region of Japan as simple wooden toys made by woodworkers from offcuts, evolving over the 20th century into a respected art form. Miyashita Hajime is one of the most decorated kokeshi artists of the modern era, and this piece reflects the refined proportions, smooth lacquer work, and warm palette that earned him national recognition.
This is a lovely tabletop piece for collectors of Japanese folk art, ideal for display on a shelf or writing desk.
Size
Height: 14.5 cm
Width: 6.5 cm
Depth: 6.5 cm
Weight
170 g / 0.17 kg
Condition
No notable scratches or stains are present; there is minor surface wear consistent with age that is not readily visible. The doll comes without its original box.
Artist Profile
Miyashita Hajime (born 1940, Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture) is a distinguished creator of sōsaku kokeshi (creative kokeshi), a modern branch of the traditional Japanese wooden doll craft. Over his career he received several of Japan's most prestigious kokeshi honours, including the Forestry Agency Director-General's Award at the All-Gunma Modern Kokeshi Contest (1972), the Minister of International Trade and Industry's Award at the All-Japan Kokeshi Contest (1974), and the Prime Minister's Award at the All-Japan Kokeshi Contest (1977) — one of the highest accolades in the field. His work is prized for its smooth, rounded forms and delicate hand-painted floral motifs.
Note:
The item will be carefully packaged and shipped by Japan Post or DHL, depending on the situation.
Due to the changes to the EU tax-free (VAT) system, Japan Post has become unable to ship certain goods valued at €150 or less to an increasing number of European countries. Depending on the destination and circumstances, the shipping method may therefore be changed from Japan Post to DHL.
Delivery normally takes approximately 3 weeks, or up to 3 months if the item is shipped by sea.
Please note that import duties, taxes, customs fees, and other charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility.
For customs clearance, your local customs office or delivery company may contact you by phone or email. To avoid any delays or the return of the parcel, please ensure that you can respond promptly to any such requests. If the parcel is returned due to an inability to contact you or complete customs clearance, additional shipping charges, which may be more than twice the original shipping cost, will apply for reshipment.
Thank you for your kind understanding and cooperation. We will do our utmost to ensure that your item arrives safely and without any issues.
Seller's Story
A Japanese living in Japan, I appreciate traditional and modern art.
I specialize in selecting artworks that reflect quiet strength, refined beauty, and timeless craftsmanship of Japanese culture. My collection focuses on pieces that carry a story—whether traditional ukiyo‑e prints, contemporary works inspired by wabi‑sabi aesthetics, or handcrafted items created by regional artisans.
With years of experience working closely with artists, studios, and collectors across Japan, I take pride in offering works that are both visually compelling and culturally meaningful. Every item is carefully curated for authenticity, condition, and artistic value, ensuring that bidders can participate with confidence.
My goal is to connect international collectors with the richness of Japanese artistry—pieces that bring harmony, character, and a touch of Japan’s spirit into your home.
I look forward to sharing these works with you and hope they inspire the same appreciation and joy they bring to me :)
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Era
1900-2000
Brand
Handmade Japanese Kokeshi
Country of origin
Japan
Condition
Good
Packaging
unboxed
Material
Wood
Width
7.5 cm
Height
27 cm
Depth
7.5 cm
