Yamanaka Sanpei - Pair of vintage kokeshi dolls, egg shape

A pair of miniature egg-shaped kokeshi dolls, hand-painted by Japanese artisan Yamanaka Sanpei, preserved in their original box

A pair of vintage egg-shaped kokeshi dolls, signed by Yamanaka Sanpei

This pair of miniature vintage kokeshi, in the egg shape characteristic of the sōsaku (creative) style, was hand-carved and hand-painted by the Japanese artisan Yamanaka Sanpei, from Yonezawa in the Yamagata Prefecture.

Originating in the 19th century in the mountain villages of Tōhoku, handcrafted by woodturners (kijishi) and sold as souvenirs to visitors of hot springs (onsen), kokeshi have over time become a symbol of well-wishes for the health and happiness of children.

Each doll in this pair features a hand-painted flower on its chest: orange on the larger celadon green kokeshi, and magenta on the smaller terracotta orange one.

A vintage pair to display as a duo, in their original box

Placed side by side on a shelf, desk, or bookcase, these 2 miniature kokeshi come with their original cardboard box, printed with the series name "里の春" (Sato no Haru, literally "Village Spring").

Like all vintage kokeshi offered in our shop, this pair shows slight marks consistent with its age and years of storage: we invite you to carefully observe the photos before purchasing, as they accurately reflect the condition.

Only one set is available.

Specifications

• Pair of 2 miniature vintage kokeshi, egg-shaped, 6.5 cm and 4.5 cm tall
• Hand-turned and hand-painted wood
• Crafted by Japanese artisan Yamanaka Sanpei, creative (sōsaku) style kokeshi
• Hand-painted flower on the chest (orange on the large one, magenta on the small one)
• Delivered in their original cardboard box, printed with "里の春" (Sato no Haru)
• Vintage kokeshi: slight signs of wear consistent with age, see photos
• Only one set available