Two large Japanese Kokeshi dolls - traditional designs, signed on bottom, Japan, home decor, Togatta style
These two incredible kokeshi dolls are large and beautiful and will be simply gorgeous and striking in your home. Kokeshi are wooden carved dolls in traditional regional styles, signed by the artist and valued for the individual nature of the features and the designs. Some believe that kokeshi represent the wish for a healthy child, and others that they bring children closer to the mountain spirits. Many people also agree that they were originally exchanged as tokens of friendship, with messages concealed within.
The large doll is identified with Murakami Tamajiro as the artist, in the Togatta style. She has a split style nose called ware-bana, no facial blush, arched double lids and red lips. She is a whopping 38 cm tall and 5.5 cm across the base.
The smaller doll is signed but I can't identify the maker. She has lines around her body in the style of Nakanosawa but it may be another traditional style. She has no blush, a long nose (naga-bana), kujira-me eyes, a single lip with red tongue and a black circular pattern on top of her head called a janome or snake eyes. She stands at 30 cm tall and 4.5 cm at the base.
The dolls are in excellent condition. The smaller has a small dent on top of her head but other wise these are in very good condition. It is possible they date earlier than the 1980s but it is hard to tell from the information available.
Please contact me if you would like any additional information or photos, or if you know anything more about this wonderful pair.
