Vintage Kokeshi Doll Naruko Onsen 15cm, Signed

-Details-

Cute vintage Kokeshi Doll, with signed base in the Naruko Onsen style from an area in Japan called Miyagi

Painted with a striper kimono in red and black the wood has aged to a lovely dark patina.

Believed to be circa 1970s/1980s.

This appear to be cherry wood, due to the dark colour of the grain which is under the hand-painted surface.

What is Kokeshi?

Kokeshi is a handmade wooden doll. The art of kokeshi originates from the hot spring mountain villages in the Tōhoku region of northeastern Japan.

Handcrafted by the artisan themselves, so that they’re customised to fit their hand and comfort. Once the wooden base is complete, paint is delicately applied using a soft weasel-fur brush. Traditional Kokeshi makers typically use black, red, and green ink to draw on the doll’s face and body. Finally, wax is applied to seal-in the design.

There are 12 recognised styles of Kokeshi.

-Details-

15cm height x 5.5cm widest approx

-Notes-

very good condition

no chips / cracks

some light dents.scratches on the head and central body stripes consistent with age and use.