JapaneseKokeshiDolls.com Blog

RARE & CUTE kokeshi by Award-Winning artisan, Isao Sasaki

Within the world of traditional kokeshi, some artisans have been "breaking the mold" and therefore aren't officially classified as "dento" kokeshi artisans. This group is often referred to as "Shin-gata" or "new style," and their designs reflect a fusion of traditional and creative kokeshi styles.

This purple doll with big eyes has the traditional Yajiro-style cap, but also has flowers carved into its head and torso. It's by acclaimed contemporary artisan Isao Sasaki, who has won major awards at the All-Japan Kokeshi Competition at least half-a-dozen times.

Buy this doll here.

 

A Cute Pair of Vintage Traditional Naruko Kokeshi Dolls

Don't these Naruko style dento kokeshi dolls look a lot alike? It's because they're both made by veteran kokeshi artisan Isao Honda. Check out the tiny differences in their mouths; it's as if each one is contemplating something serious! So cute!

DARLING FAMILY of Traditional Kokeshi Dolls

Here's a group of SIX beautiful traditional kokeshi dolls (aka "dento kokeshi"). The largest doll is over 30 cm tall (about 1 foot) and the smallest is about 18 cm (7 inches). What a gorgeous holiday scene they would make if displayed with a Christmas tree or on Valentine's Day! Visit our Etsy website to see more.

Three Yajiro Kokeshi

A wonderful group of three traditional vintage Japanese kokeshi dolls ("dento kokeshi", hand painted with delightful expressions and gorgeous multi-colored "hats" and kimonos. These dolls are from the 1970s and 1980s (the base of the first doll bears a date, "1 50" which translates to "Showa 50, month 1", aka January 1975). All three are in the "Yajiro" style.

From left to right, these dolls are by Fukuo Niiyama (1922-1987), Mayumi Niiyama (born 1965), and Tokujiro Ishikawa (dates unknown, believed to be born early 1900s). Each doll is hand-signed on the base by the artisan who made her.

A fabulous group of fun and friendly handmade vintage kokeshi dolls!

HEIGHT, tallest doll (approx): 18 cm (7 inches)
CONDITION: all dolls are in very fine to excellent condition. May shown very light signs of age, such as light soiling, discoloration. 

Click on photo to see more photos and to buy!