Large Japanese Kokeshi Doll 11” - Vintage Collectible- Antique Wooden Folk Art For Sale

1. Kokeshi hand made by Kengo Onuma (1937 - 2007)11.6 inch / 30cmNaruko Style Kokeshi
   

   
   

2. Masao Mamiya (1921–2008)
   Lineage: Tsugaru

   Master: Akitaro Mamiya

   Disciple: Yoshiyuki Igarashi

   Biography:

   Masao Mamiya was born on March 10, 1921, as the eldest son of Akitaro Mamiya, a woodturner from Ōwani, Aomori Prefecture. After graduating from higher elementary school in 1935, he apprenticed under his father, Akitaro, learning woodturning. He turned wooden toys such as spinning tops, rocking horse hammers, ladles, and kokeshi dolls. Around 1941, the demand for military supplies increased, and he almost stopped making toys.

   After the war, he opened a confectionery shop but continued woodturning on the side. Around 1947, he also started making kokeshi dolls to some extent. In 1949, he went to Ōdate, Akita Prefecture, and worked as a craftsman in a woodworking shop, primarily turning flower vases made from cedar. He returned to Ōwani in 1951 and resumed woodturning with his father, Akitaro, making kokeshi dolls to order. During this period, Masao mostly did the painting on the kokeshi dolls. For orders under Akitaro’s name, he painted as Akitaro, and for orders under his own name, he painted as Masao.

   In 1958, he also opened a toy shop. His father, Akitaro, suffered a stroke around 1965, and Masao took over the production entirely. He turned wood at places like Shimazu Woodworking Shop. Around 1984, Yoshiyuki Igarashi from Tsuruoka came to learn kokeshi painting from him, and Masao taught him the techniques.

   Masao Mamiya passed away on June 8, 2008, at the age of Used

Kokeshi are traditional Japanese wooden dolls, characterized by their simple yet elegant design. They originated in the Tohoku region of Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868). These dolls are made from wood and typically feature a simple cylindrical body with a rounded head. Here are some key aspects of Kokeshi dolls:

1. Traditional Kokeshi (Dento Kokeshi)

   • These are the original forms of Kokeshi, handcrafted and typically passed down through generations of artisans.
   • They are classified into several regional styles, each with its own unique features and patterns, such as Naruko, Tsuchiyu, Yajiro, and others.
   • The designs often include hand-painted floral or geometric patterns, and the dolls are usually left unvarnished.

2. Creative Kokeshi (Shingata Kokeshi)

   • These emerged after World War II and allow for more artistic freedom.
   • Unlike traditional Kokeshi, they are not restricted by regional styles or patterns, leading to a variety of innovative designs and forms.
   • They may include more elaborate decorations, different shapes, and varnished style="border: 0px solid rgb(227, 227, 227); box-sizing: border-box; --tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-pan-x: ; --tw-pan-y: ; --tw-pinch-zoom: ; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-gradient-from-position: ; --tw-gradient-via-position: ; --tw-gradient-to-position: ; --tw-ordinal: ; --tw-slashed-zero: ; --tw-numeric-figure: ; --tw-numeric-spacing: ; --tw-numeric-fraction: ; --tw-ring-inset: ; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-blur: ; --tw-brightness: ; --tw-contrast: ; --tw-grayscale: ; --tw-hue-rotate: ; --tw-invert: ; --tw-saturate: ; --tw-sepia: ; --tw-drop-shadow: ; --tw-backdrop-blur: ; --tw-backdrop-brightness: ; --tw-backdrop-contrast: ; --tw-backdrop-grayscale: ; --tw-backdrop-hue-rotate: ; --tw-backdrop-invert: ; --tw-backdrop-opacity: ; --tw-backdrop-saturate: ; --tw-backdrop-sepia: ; --tw-contain-size: ; --tw-contain-layout: ; --tw-contain-paint: ; --tw-contain-style: ; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; margin: 0px 0px 1.25em; padding: 0px 0px 0px 1.625em;">
   • Materials: Made from different types of wood, such as cherry, dogwood, or chestnut, each providing a distinct texture and finish.
   • Construction: Traditionally, Kokeshi dolls are lathe-turned and hand-painted. The head is often a separate piece attached to the body.
   • Design: Typically, the dolls have no arms or legs. The facial features are simple, often just eyes and a mouth, with minimal detail.
   • Sizes: They come in various sizes, from a few inches to over a foot tall.
   Cultural Significance
   • Symbolism: Kokeshi dolls are often associated with protection against evil and are believed to bring good luck. They are sometimes given as gifts for good fortune or to comfort someone who is grieving.
   • Craftsmanship: The making of Kokeshi dolls is a respected art form, with many artisans dedicating their lives to perfecting their craft. Each region's style represents its unique cultural heritage.
   • Modern Appeal: While rooted in tradition, Kokeshi dolls have seen a resurgence in popularity, appealing to both collectors and those interested in traditional Japanese art and culture.
   Collecting Kokeshi
   • Authenticity: Collectors often seek traditional Kokeshi made by renowned artisans, each piece often signed and dated.
   • Value: The value of a Kokeshi doll can vary greatly depending on its age, condition, and the reputation of the artist.
   • Display: They are commonly displayed in homes, both as decorative items and as symbols of cultural pride.

   Kokeshi dolls embody a blend of simplicity and elegance, making them cherished items in Japanese culture and a fascinating subject for collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.

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