Japanese Dolls called Kokeshi of the early 20th century. Provenance from northern Japan. Set of 4.

2 Small - Narugo. Tall - Zao. Medium -Narugo.

Size range 23cm, 21cm, 15cm

Dolls shapes and patterns are particular to a certain area and are classified under eleven types. Hand made by Japanese artisans from wood, they have a simple trunk as a body and an enlarged head. One characteristic of Kokeshi dolls is their lack of arms and legs. Painted by hand with lines to define the face and the body painted with floral motive, covered with a layer of wax. Each doll is marked with the signature of the artist on the bottom or back. In good, original condition. The Kokeshi dolls, it is said, were originally made by wood carvers of Shinchi Shuraku, during the middle of the Edo period (1600-1868) to be sold to people who were visiting the hot springs of Togatta in Zao.