Kokeshi Doll Kinakina

Kina-Kina Kokeshi dolls in various vintage condition.
 
Kina-Kina is a styles of Kokeshi dolls from Nanbu area (today's Iwate), originally crafted as toys for young children. Kina-Kina dolls were given to toddlers as dummies or teething toys, which explains their minimal decoration and unpainted faces.
 
They are typically small enough for little hands to hold comfortably, with heads designed to move or wobble, adding to their charm and playfulness. In modern times, the Kina-Kina dolls have grown larger as they’ve become decorative pieces for adults and also been recognized that their simple, minimalistic style has timeless appeal.
 
Each doll is one-off, and lovingly hand crafted by craftsman based in the northeastern region in Japan. 
 
*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.
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MNS-01
30cm /12 inches. Unknown Kinakina. This doll could have been a size model, as it was not signed by the maker. Dark coloured wood is used. Very good condition. The head doesn't move.
 
MNS-02
24.5 cm / 9.75 inches. Morioka-Kinakina. Signed by Matsuda Shoichi. Very good condition. Head moves.
 
MNS-03
24.5 cm / 9.75 inches. Morioka-Kinakina. Signed by Matsuda Shoichi. Very good condition. Head moves.
 
MNS-04
18cm / 7 inches. Morioka-Kinakina. Signed by Matsuda Shoichi. Very good condition. Head moves.
 
MNS-05
24.5 cm / 9.75 inches. Hanamaki-Kinakina. Signed by Susumago Jitsutaro. Obi belt on the waist. Patinated vintage condition. Head moves.
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★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.