A collection of six traditional, hand-painted Kokeshi wooden dolls.
Originating in North-Eastern Japan over 150 years ago as a folk craft, Kokeshi dolls were originally given on the birth of a child, believed to bring good luck. They are hand-carved on a lathe, and hand-painted with unique patterns, often flowers.
The Hijiori-style dolls originated in Yamagata prefecture, at Hijiori Onsen, and at Sendai city and are the result of the merging of two Kokeshi-making families: Narugo and Tougatta. Hijiori were first developed by Shusuke Sata, who moved from Togatta to the Hijiori spa, which is surrounded by the enduring presence of the "Dewa Sanzan" (three mountains n the Dewa area.) They have very distinctive facial features and head decorations. Because fewer of these dolls are produced than the other styles, they are highly coveted among collectors.
Each doll is unique in size, shape, and design. Dust gently with a dry cloth to protect the water based ink design.
