Vintage Naruko Kokeshi doll 30cm

Vintage Naruko Kokeshi doll 30cm

What is Kokeshi

Kokeshi is a Japanese wooden doll, hand-made from wood with no arms or legs.

There are two types of Kokeshi; ‘伝統こけし Traditional Kokeshi’ and ‘創作こけし Creative Kokeshi’.

“伝統こけし Traditional Kokeshi” is a folk art specially produced in the Tohoku region that occurred in the latter half of the Edo period, using the same techniques handed over from masters to pupils.

“創作こけし Creative Kokeshi” is modeled by the author’s individual free ideas and is produced using original techniques.  The trend was riding since 1947 after World War II.

Since 1954, the Prime Minister’s Award has been awarded to the best work of ‘the creative Kokeshi doll’ contest.  Since then, creative activities have become more active and the work of famous artists have been evaluated as unique arts and crafts.

About this Kokeshi

This is a vintage Traditional Kokeshi doll, which is called ‘鳴子こけし Naruko Kokeshi‘, produced in Miyagi prefecture of Japan.

Naruko Kokeshi dolls have a large head, a stable body with a slightly thin middle part with a chrysanthemum pattern as the major features of dolls.

It is also known that it makes a “squeaky” sound when the neck is turned. It has a “fitting type” structure in which the neck is inserted into the torso.

There is a signature at the bottom of the doll. 

大沼英雄 Oonuma Hideo 49.2.9.

It was made in 1974 by Oonuma Hideo and is in a very good condition.

You can have a look at this video to see how a Kokeshi is handcrafted.  It is also so calming to watch how it is being made.