We'll be using either Japan Post or DHL to ship your item. It will be shipped from Japan, so it will take some time to arrive. Please note that the prices of the items listed do not include taxes like duties. There may be scratches and dirt caused by age. If an item exceeds the specified size or weight, it may be shipped in multiple packages. ----- This pair of highly artistic kokeshi dolls includes works by Okamoto Usaburo (the first generation or his workshop), a master modern kokeshi craftsman from Gunma Prefecture. These dolls are characterized by painterly expressions that utilize the texture of the wood, unconstrained by traditional forms. 1. Details of Each Piece Left: "Mountain Village Scene" by Usaburo Artist: Okamoto Usaburo (signature and seal: "Usaburo") A leading modern kokeshi artist, Okamoto Usaburo has won numerous awards, including at the All Japan Kokeshi Competition. Design: The center of the body is left white, and delicate brushstrokes depict a classic Japanese landscape (thatched-roof houses, pine trees, and distant mountains). The top and bottom are burned or painted a deep black, creating a dignified finish reminiscent of a framed landscape painting. Facial Expression: The smiling, cheerful expression exudes the warmth characteristic of Usaburo's works. Right: Bark Kokeshi Doll with Poem (Tanka) Design: A simple style that retains the texture of the bark. A pine tree and rocks are depicted on the right side of the body, and a waka (poem) is written in elegant calligraphy from the center to the left. Features: The inclusion of the poem gives the doll an atmosphere reminiscent of a literary work rather than a mere toy. Facial Expression: The doll has a modest smile and elegant, serene features. 2. Condition and Appeal Vintage Appearance: Both dolls appear to date from the mid- to late Showa period. The deepening of the wood color (to a amber hue) over time adds further depth to the depicted landscapes and characters. Artistic Value: The "Usaburo" works in particular are highly sought after by collectors both in Japan and overseas, and are highly valued as interior décor. 3. Recommended Display Japanese Space: Place them on a display shelf in a tokonoma alcove, tea room, or entryway. Modern interior: It goes well with wooden furniture and Scandinavian-style interiors, adding a "Japanese tranquility" to the space. Set of 2 23*7*7cm Total 687g (I0427)