Handmade - Doll - Japan
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Description from the seller
Item Description
Set of Five Vintage Japanese Kokeshi Dolls by Skilled Artisans
A charming grouping of five vintage kokeshi dolls, Japan's iconic wooden folk-art figures, each hand-turned on a lathe and hand-painted by a different artisan. Ranging in size from a compact miniature to a tall, elegant example, the set showcases the diversity of kokeshi craftsmanship, with each doll bearing a distinct facial expression, hairstyle, and floral motif in the traditional palette of red, black, and green.
Kokeshi originated in the Tōhoku region of northern Japan during the late Edo period, initially as toys and souvenirs sold at hot-spring resorts. Over time they evolved into a respected folk-art form, admired both in Japan and internationally for their simplicity, warmth, and individuality of hand. This set, with pieces from multiple hands, makes an appealing entry point for a new collector or a lovely addition to an existing collection.
Size for 4 dolls:
Height: 25 cm (largest doll)
Width: 7 cm
Depth: 7 cm
One Kokeshi with a hairstyle is made by the famous 宮下はじめ Miyashita Hajime（1940-）.
Vintage handcrafted sōsaku (creative) kokeshi doll by Hajime Miyashita 宮下はじめ (1940–), a Prime Minister's Award-winning kokeshi artist from Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture. This charming figure features the artist's signature round head with a gentle, downcast expression, dark almond-shaped eyes, and delicate red cheek accents. Her hair is styled with two side buns adorned with a hand-painted red camellia motif. She wears a dark green kimono decorated with a vivid red obi patterned in yellow dots, along with abstract white and red brushstroke motifs across the body, evoking a snowy winter landscape. The base bears a red ink signature stamp of the artist. A lovely example of mid-to-late Showa era Japanese folk craft, ideal for collectors of kokeshi or lovers of Japanese interior décor.
Size
Height: 14 cm
Width: 8 cm
Depth: 6.5 cm
Condition
Good vintage condition with age-appropriate wear consistent with display over many years, including light surface scratches to the head, minor scuffs and small areas of paint loss/chipping on the red obi, and faint surface marks on the kimono body. No cracks or structural damage; the doll stands stable and the signature stamp on the base remains legible.
Artist Profile
Hajime Miyashita (宮下はじめ) is a celebrated sōsaku (creative) kokeshi artist, born in 1940 in Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture, Japan. Over his career he received numerous prestigious honors, including the Forestry Agency Director's Award at the All-Gunma Modern Kokeshi Competition (1972), the Minister of International Trade and Industry Award at the All-Japan Kokeshi Competition (1974), and the Prime Minister's Award at the All-Japan Kokeshi Competition (1977) — one of the highest honors in the kokeshi world. His work is known for gentle, rounded forms and softly expressive faces, and is highly regarded among collectors of Japanese folk art.
Weight
1367 g / 1.367 kg (combined weight of all five dolls)
Condition
The dolls show light general wear consistent with age, including minor surface marks and slight fading of the painted decoration; no major damage, cracks, or losses were noted.
NOITICE:
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 Five Vintage Japanese Kokeshi Dolls by Skilled Artisans
A charming grouping of five vintage kokeshi dolls, Japan's iconic wooden folk-art figures, each hand-turned on a lathe and hand-painted by a different artisan. Ranging in size from a compact miniature to a tall, elegant example, the set showcases the diversity of kokeshi craftsmanship, with each doll bearing a distinct facial expression, hairstyle, and floral motif in the traditional palette of red, black, and green.
Kokeshi originated in the Tōhoku region of northern Japan during the late Edo period, initially as toys and souvenirs sold at hot-spring resorts. Over time they evolved into a respected folk-art form, admired both in Japan and internationally for their simplicity, warmth, and individuality of hand. This set, with pieces from multiple hands, makes an appealing entry point for a new collector or a lovely addition to an existing collection.
Size for 4 dolls:
Height: 25 cm (largest doll)
Width: 7 cm
Depth: 7 cm
One Kokeshi with a hairstyle is made by the famous 宮下はじめ Miyashita Hajime（1940-）.
Vintage handcrafted sōsaku (creative) kokeshi doll by Hajime Miyashita 宮下はじめ (1940–), a Prime Minister's Award-winning kokeshi artist from Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture. This charming figure features the artist's signature round head with a gentle, downcast expression, dark almond-shaped eyes, and delicate red cheek accents. Her hair is styled with two side buns adorned with a hand-painted red camellia motif. She wears a dark green kimono decorated with a vivid red obi patterned in yellow dots, along with abstract white and red brushstroke motifs across the body, evoking a snowy winter landscape. The base bears a red ink signature stamp of the artist. A lovely example of mid-to-late Showa era Japanese folk craft, ideal for collectors of kokeshi or lovers of Japanese interior décor.
Size
Height: 14 cm
Width: 8 cm
Depth: 6.5 cm
Condition
Good vintage condition with age-appropriate wear consistent with display over many years, including light surface scratches to the head, minor scuffs and small areas of paint loss/chipping on the red obi, and faint surface marks on the kimono body. No cracks or structural damage; the doll stands stable and the signature stamp on the base remains legible.
Artist Profile
Hajime Miyashita (宮下はじめ) is a celebrated sōsaku (creative) kokeshi artist, born in 1940 in Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture, Japan. Over his career he received numerous prestigious honors, including the Forestry Agency Director's Award at the All-Gunma Modern Kokeshi Competition (1972), the Minister of International Trade and Industry Award at the All-Japan Kokeshi Competition (1974), and the Prime Minister's Award at the All-Japan Kokeshi Competition (1977) — one of the highest honors in the kokeshi world. His work is known for gentle, rounded forms and softly expressive faces, and is highly regarded among collectors of Japanese folk art.
Weight
1367 g / 1.367 kg (combined weight of all five dolls)
Condition
The dolls show light general wear consistent with age, including minor surface marks and slight fading of the painted decoration; no major damage, cracks, or losses were noted.
NOITICE:
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
Country of origin
Japan
Condition
Good
Packaging
unboxed
Material
Wood
Width
7 cm
Height
25 cm
Depth
7 cm
