4 Japanese vintage Kokeshi – Toshio Sato Naruko + “Costumi del Mondo” – original boxes – Shōwa - Japan - Shōwa period (1926-1989)

Interesting lot consisting of 4 vintage Japanese wooden kokeshi, all preserved with their respective original period boxes.

The group brings together two distinct expressions of the art of Japanese kokeshi: a traditional Naruko Kokeshi crafted by master Toshio Sato and three particular figures belonging to the “Costumes of the World” series, dedicated to the representation of characters and traditional costumes from different cultures.

The main piece of the lot is the Toshio Sato Naruko Kokeshi, a master born in 1935 and tied to the historic artisanal tradition of Miyagi Prefecture.

Approximately 21 cm tall, it features a rounded head and a hand-decorated body with large floral motifs in red and green tones, accompanied by the distinctive horizontal bands typical of Naruko production. The face, simple and serene, preserves the essential aesthetic typical of this tradition.

The Toshio Sato kokeshi is accompanied by the original box and the laboratory paper insert, elements particularly interesting from a collector’s standpoint and useful for documenting provenance and attribution.

Completing the lot are 3 unusual kokeshi from the “Costumes of the World” series, all different from each other and characterized by painted decorations and numerous applied details. Especially fascinating is the figure with the small suspended mask, an original element that gives great personality to the group.

These three figures also retain their respective original boxes, on which the series name and the reference to the Japan Rural Craft Artists Association appear, a Japanese organization tied to artistic crafts.

These three kokeshi are attributable to the Shōwa period and to vintage production generally associated with the 1960s–1970s.

Details:

Number of kokeshi: 4
Toshio Sato Naruko Kokeshi: about 21 cm
3 Kokeshi “Costumi del Mondo”: about 15 cm, 15 cm and 18 cm
Material: turned wood, painted and decorated
Origin: Japan
Period: Shōwa / 20th century
Accompanied by their respective original boxes
The Toshio Sato also retains the original paper documentation

The photographs are an integral part of the description and show exactly the objects offered at auction. Please study them carefully to assess condition, natural wood patina, and artisan characteristics.

A rather uncommon and highly scenographic lot, able to pair the classic Naruko Kokeshi tradition with a Japanese vintage production decidedly more original and distinctive. Interesting for collectors of kokeshi, mingei and Japanese folk art of the 20th century.

The items will be packaged individually with particular care to protect them adequately during transport.

Happy bidding to all!

— Nostalgia Wave Store