Small 1970s Kokeshi doll from the Matagoro workshop that dates from a lineage of craftsmen dating back to the end of the 18th century. This model made from a soft wood and sanded back to allow the grain to shine through beautifully.  A paired back design and shape that still encapsulates the Kokeshi. The simple lines on the front of the doll suggest it's wearing a Kimono but in a very subtle way with a white spotted and green bird design. 

Kokeshi's are a Japanese symbol of good luck, love, friendship or good fortune. Traditionally crafted in solid wood on a lathe and quite often painted whilst still in place.  This authentic Kokeshi doll has an over-sized head and a slim cylindrical hand-painted body. The artist has signed the doll on the base as well as on the back of the body as shown in the images.  Kokeshis are individual, each one is unique and different. 

This authentic, wooden Kokeshi, is in good overall vintage condition.  The paintwork on the Kimono has smudged slightly .

Dimensions: Base diameter: 4cm Head diameter: 7cm Height: 22.5cm

Wikepedia History of Kokeshi Dolls - Kokeshi are simple wooden Japanese dolls with no arms or legs that have been crafted for more than 150 years as a toy for children. Originally from the Tohoku region in northern Honshu, they are handmade from wood, having a simple trunk and head with a few thin, painted lines to define the face. The body often has floral and/or ring designs painted in red, black, and sometimes green, purple, blue, or yellow inks, and covered with a layer of wax. One characteristic of kokeshi dolls is their lack of arms or legs. Since the 1950s, kokeshi makers have signed their work, usually on the bottom and sometimes on the back.

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