Honjo & Kikumaro Kokeshi (Set of 2)

¥10,580

Set of Two Traditional Type Kokeshi

  • Honjo Kokeshi (Soto Naruko-kei): Yurihonjyo, Akita Prefecture

  • They have slender figures with sloping shoulders and a gentle, simple expression

  • Started by a Naruko type kokeshi craftsman who moved to Akita, the Honjo kokeshi is considered to be an offshoot of the Naruko (Soto Naruko-kei)

  • Like the Naruko, it has a distinctive squeaking sound when the neck is twisted

  • The listed kokeshi is decorated with an “igeta” pattern, wooden lattice coverings for wells, symbolizing safety in the household

  • Marked on base from right to left: “Honjo”, artisan signature “Yuu” (Yuu Okamoto), and “igeta”

  • Kikumaro Kokeshi (Yamagata-kei): Oisawa, Yamagata Prefecture

  • In 1899 Oisawa, artisans from Akita Prefecture were invited to Oisawa to help improve the local economy, leading to the development of a local woodworking industry

  • Kikumaro was from Oisawa and known for devoting his life to Kokeshi, restoring locally-produced antique dolls in the early 20th century

  • He created his own style of Yamagata kokeshi, incorporated aspects of the Zao and Naruko types

  • There are two main types of Kikumaro Kokeshi:

  • The Taisho-kata with a slender torso and double eyelids (the listed kokeshi is in this style)

  • The Kikumaro-kata characterized by a thick torso featuring a chrysanthemum pattern

  • Marked on base from right to left: artisan signature “Funayama Teru”, “Oisawa” (area in Yamagata Prefecture), “Kikumaro”

(Please note there are variants within all kokeshi types)

SIZE (Approx.)
(Diameter is of base)

HONJO KOKESHI
DIAMETER 3.2CM (1.3") X HEIGHT 18.8CM (7.4")

KIKUMARO KOKESHI
DIAMETER 3.8CM (1.5") XHEIGHT 25CM (9.8")

WEIGHT

372 Grams (Total for both items)

CONDITION - VERY GOOD

The Hojo Kokeshi has a little bit of sun patina darkening to the top of the head and forehead. The Yamagta-kei is in excellent condition, like new.

Both are recently made (2020~) and were entered into a kokeshi exchange event run by the Nagoya Kokeshi Association since 1939.

Vintage, antique and pre-loved items may show some signs of aging or wear. Please inspect the photos carefully before making your purchase.

Please note colours may vary slightly depending on monitor settings.

CARING FOR YOUR KOKESHI

  • To dust, wipe gently with a dry soft cloth

  • Avoid touching kokeshi with wet hands as the dye/paint may run

  • Recommended to keep kokeshi away from direct sunlight to avoid wood from darkening and dye/paint fading

SHIPPING

Free Delivery - please refer to Shipping & Returns for further information.

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Set of Two Traditional Type Kokeshi

  • Honjo Kokeshi (Soto Naruko-kei): Yurihonjyo, Akita Prefecture

  • They have slender figures with sloping shoulders and a gentle, simple expression

  • Started by a Naruko type kokeshi craftsman who moved to Akita, the Honjo kokeshi is considered to be an offshoot of the Naruko (Soto Naruko-kei)

  • Like the Naruko, it has a distinctive squeaking sound when the neck is twisted

  • The listed kokeshi is decorated with an “igeta” pattern, wooden lattice coverings for wells, symbolizing safety in the household

  • Marked on base from right to left: “Honjo”, artisan signature “Yuu” (Yuu Okamoto), and “igeta”

  • Kikumaro Kokeshi (Yamagata-kei): Oisawa, Yamagata Prefecture

  • In 1899 Oisawa, artisans from Akita Prefecture were invited to Oisawa to help improve the local economy, leading to the development of a local woodworking industry

  • Kikumaro was from Oisawa and known for devoting his life to Kokeshi, restoring locally-produced antique dolls in the early 20th century

  • He created his own style of Yamagata kokeshi, incorporated aspects of the Zao and Naruko types

  • There are two main types of Kikumaro Kokeshi:

  • The Taisho-kata with a slender torso and double eyelids (the listed kokeshi is in this style)

  • The Kikumaro-kata characterized by a thick torso featuring a chrysanthemum pattern

  • Marked on base from right to left: artisan signature “Funayama Teru”, “Oisawa” (area in Yamagata Prefecture), “Kikumaro”

(Please note there are variants within all kokeshi types)

SIZE (Approx.)
(Diameter is of base)

HONJO KOKESHI
DIAMETER 3.2CM (1.3") X HEIGHT 18.8CM (7.4")

KIKUMARO KOKESHI
DIAMETER 3.8CM (1.5") XHEIGHT 25CM (9.8")

WEIGHT

372 Grams (Total for both items)

CONDITION - VERY GOOD

The Hojo Kokeshi has a little bit of sun patina darkening to the top of the head and forehead. The Yamagta-kei is in excellent condition, like new.

Both are recently made (2020~) and were entered into a kokeshi exchange event run by the Nagoya Kokeshi Association since 1939.

Vintage, antique and pre-loved items may show some signs of aging or wear. Please inspect the photos carefully before making your purchase.

Please note colours may vary slightly depending on monitor settings.

CARING FOR YOUR KOKESHI

  • To dust, wipe gently with a dry soft cloth

  • Avoid touching kokeshi with wet hands as the dye/paint may run

  • Recommended to keep kokeshi away from direct sunlight to avoid wood from darkening and dye/paint fading

SHIPPING

Free Delivery - please refer to Shipping & Returns for further information.

Set of Two Traditional Type Kokeshi

  • Honjo Kokeshi (Soto Naruko-kei): Yurihonjyo, Akita Prefecture

  • They have slender figures with sloping shoulders and a gentle, simple expression

  • Started by a Naruko type kokeshi craftsman who moved to Akita, the Honjo kokeshi is considered to be an offshoot of the Naruko (Soto Naruko-kei)

  • Like the Naruko, it has a distinctive squeaking sound when the neck is twisted

  • The listed kokeshi is decorated with an “igeta” pattern, wooden lattice coverings for wells, symbolizing safety in the household

  • Marked on base from right to left: “Honjo”, artisan signature “Yuu” (Yuu Okamoto), and “igeta”

  • Kikumaro Kokeshi (Yamagata-kei): Oisawa, Yamagata Prefecture

  • In 1899 Oisawa, artisans from Akita Prefecture were invited to Oisawa to help improve the local economy, leading to the development of a local woodworking industry

  • Kikumaro was from Oisawa and known for devoting his life to Kokeshi, restoring locally-produced antique dolls in the early 20th century

  • He created his own style of Yamagata kokeshi, incorporated aspects of the Zao and Naruko types

  • There are two main types of Kikumaro Kokeshi:

  • The Taisho-kata with a slender torso and double eyelids (the listed kokeshi is in this style)

  • The Kikumaro-kata characterized by a thick torso featuring a chrysanthemum pattern

  • Marked on base from right to left: artisan signature “Funayama Teru”, “Oisawa” (area in Yamagata Prefecture), “Kikumaro”

(Please note there are variants within all kokeshi types)

SIZE (Approx.)
(Diameter is of base)

HONJO KOKESHI
DIAMETER 3.2CM (1.3") X HEIGHT 18.8CM (7.4")

KIKUMARO KOKESHI
DIAMETER 3.8CM (1.5") XHEIGHT 25CM (9.8")

WEIGHT

372 Grams (Total for both items)

CONDITION - VERY GOOD

The Hojo Kokeshi has a little bit of sun patina darkening to the top of the head and forehead. The Yamagta-kei is in excellent condition, like new.

Both are recently made (2020~) and were entered into a kokeshi exchange event run by the Nagoya Kokeshi Association since 1939.

Vintage, antique and pre-loved items may show some signs of aging or wear. Please inspect the photos carefully before making your purchase.

Please note colours may vary slightly depending on monitor settings.

CARING FOR YOUR KOKESHI

  • To dust, wipe gently with a dry soft cloth

  • Avoid touching kokeshi with wet hands as the dye/paint may run

  • Recommended to keep kokeshi away from direct sunlight to avoid wood from darkening and dye/paint fading

SHIPPING

Free Delivery - please refer to Shipping & Returns for further information.