复古日本创意木偶民间艺术 - 木 - 日本 - 昭和年代(1926-1989)

Vintage Japanese Creative Kokeshi & Folk Art Wooden Dolls – 6-Piece Collection – Showa Period

Description
A fascinating collection of six vintage Japanese creative kokeshi and folk-art decorative pieces, featuring a rich variety of traditional Japanese motifs, regional souvenir designs and miniature wooden craftsmanship.

The collection includes an elegant female figure dressed in a black kimono, a highly detailed treasure-ship-inspired composition carrying a group of miniature figures, two stylized white-haired female kokeshi, a miniature scene combining a Japanese castle with a procession of tiny figures, a distinctive conical-headed creative kokeshi, and a charming lantern-shaped souvenir scene containing a miniature couple.

One of the most striking pieces is the wooden boat composition, decorated with numerous tiny hand-painted figures and a hanging banner bearing the Japanese character “宝” (Takara, “Treasure”). The motif recalls the Takarabune, or “Treasure Ship”, an auspicious image traditionally associated with good fortune and prosperity in Japan.

Another particularly attractive piece features a miniature Japanese castle together with several small figures arranged as if participating in a traditional procession or festival. The use of wood, metallic-looking architectural elements, straw-like ornaments and tiny painted figures creates an appealing miniature diorama characteristic of Japanese regional souvenir craftsmanship.

The tall female kokeshi is especially unusual. Her large stylized head contains two tiny figures inset into the face, giving the piece an inventive and playful three-dimensional quality. The black kimono is decorated with bold white geometric lines and a brightly coloured obi.

The pair of white-haired female figures provides a striking contrast, with minimalist facial features, softly rounded forms and patterned kimono bodies in red and deep blue. Their simplified forms reflect the modern, stylized approach often found in post-war creative kokeshi.

The lantern-shaped scene is marked “鬼怒川” (Kinugawa) on its wooden base, referring to the well-known hot-spring resort area of Kinugawa Onsen in Tochigi Prefecture. Inside the lantern is a tiny male and female couple, creating a delightful miniature scene associated with Japan’s regional travel-souvenir culture.

All pieces are primarily made of wood, with additional materials including thread, fibre, fabric, metallic decorative elements and natural wooden bases. They were designed as decorative folk-art souvenirs rather than as classical traditional kokeshi, and demonstrate the imaginative freedom characteristic of Japanese post-war craft production.

The items show age-related signs of wear, including small scratches, fading, surface marks, dust, minor discoloration and wear to fibres or decorative elements. Such characteristics are consistent with vintage Japanese souvenir folk art. Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.

This varied group would make an attractive collection for enthusiasts of Japanese kokeshi, Mingei folk art, Showa-period souvenirs, miniature dioramas, Japanese travel memorabilia and mid-century Japanese decorative design.

Size
The individual pieces vary in size.
Based on the measurement photographs, the larger works are approximately H 10 × W 9 × D 7 cm.
Approximate total weight: 321 g.

Condition: (Please refer to the photos for details)
- This is a vintage / pre-owned item.
- Due to age and previous use, there may be signs of wear such as scratches, stains, discoloration, or creases.
- Please note that vintage items may have a distinctive smell due to long-term storage or materials used.
Sensitivity to such odors may vary from person to person and from country to country.
- We try to describe the condition as accurately as possible, but perceptions may differ depending on individual standards.
- Colors may appear slightly different depending on your monitor or lighting when the photos were taken.
- Please purchase only if you understand and appreciate the unique characteristics of vintage items.

Shipping
The lot will be carefully packaged and shipped from Japan by Japan Post or DHL, depending on the circumstances. Delivery normally takes approximately 2–3 weeks.

To help protect the environment, recycled materials such as cardboard and newspapers may be used for packaging.

Import duties, VAT, taxes and customs clearance fees are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility.
Please note that, from 1 July 2026, the EU applies a €3 customs duty per item to low-value imports of up to €150.

Customs authorities or the delivery company may contact you by telephone or email. Please respond promptly and complete any required payment or customs procedure. Otherwise, the parcel may be delayed or returned, and additional shipping costs will be charged for reshipment.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.