Kokeshi Doll Naruko Style
Each doll is lovingly handmade by craftsmen from the Sakurai family, a 6th-generation Kokeshi maker based in Naruko, Miyagi.
Naruko is one of the major Kokeshi doll making bases. Tucked in the deep mountain gorge, Naruko has been known and developed as hot spring spa for centuries. Read our blog about Naruko Kokeshi festival.
Naruko dolls have their distinctive body shape - a pillar with beautifully squared shoulders, slightly narrowed in the middle. Designs of the head (top-knots and ornaments) and the floral pattern on the body are also important points to look at.
Even more interesting feature of Naruko dolls is that the head can turn with a squeaky sound. This is made from the special lathing/joinery technique that was developed and has been used for doll making in this area. (* Not all the Naruko dolls have this feature but many do)
They would be perfect to decorate your home, to protect you and the family as talisman, or even to make them your imaginary friend.
*Please note that this listing is for pre-owned items. Each doll can have small areas of wear, chips, or colour fading. Feel free to request us for further details or close-up images.
Sold individually. Price is for single doll only. Choose the one you like from the pull-down menu.
------------
Size and description:
NA 18 cm / 7 inches. Stamped by Sakurai. No varnish with natural sheen. Excellent condition.
NB 18 cm / 7 inches. Stamped by Sakurai. No varnish with natural sheen. Excellent condition.
NC 18 cm / 7 inches. Stamped by Sakurai. No varnish with natural sheen. Excellent condition.
ND 17 cm / 6.7 inches. Signed by Sakurai Shoji. No varnish with natural sheen. Excellent condition.
NE 12 cm / 5 inches. Stamped by Sakurai. No varnish with natural sheen. Excellent condition.
-----------
★About Kokeshi Dolls
Here is an excerpt form our blog article.
Kokeshi dolls are one of Japan’s most beloved icons of folk art, yet their origins are relatively recent. They arguably first appeared in the early 19th century and have been crafted almost exclusively in the Tohoku region of northeastern Japan.These simple wooden figures became popular keepsakes, symbolizing good health, fertility, and fortune, especially as protectors of children.
Most Kokeshi dolls are painted red, a color believed to ward off diseases like smallpox. The designs vary based on the producing area and are painted either freehand or with horizontal line-drawing on a lathe.
Local hardwood varieties, such as Dogwood, Painted Maple, Macropoda Holly, Japanese Pagoda Tree are used after a drying process. Read more on our blog article.
