Vintage Kokeshi dolls which are estimated to have been created in the late 1970s or early 1980s. The Kokeshi craft is an ancient Japanese tradition that started as early as the year 1850. The dolls are carved and hand painted with pigments. Because of this no two dolls are alike. These dolls are part of a set from a single artist: Tanaka Shigemi. Kokeshi dolls have become a true icon of Japan since they reflect Japanese aesthetic sensibilities with their minimalist yet elegant design. The large doll is 28 cm tall. The smaller one is 16 cm tall. They are in good shape and hardly show their age. They have detailed colourful markings and inscriptions that are not only painted but also carved.