Vintage Kokeshi Doll - Yajirō-style (1989)

Vintage kokeshi doll in the Yajirō style of Miyagi Prefecture.

• Height: 30cm+
• Date: Made in 1989
  

Yajirō village in Miyagi prefecture is home to one of the distinct styles of traditional kokeshi dolls. Yajirō kokeshi dolls typically have a slightly flared or tapered body at the neck or waist. This gives them a more curvaceous appearance compared to other styles. The head is relatively large compared to the body, with a round shape and the facial features are minimal, but delicately painted, with a small mouth and thin, arched eyebrows. The eyes often feature one lid or double eyelids and the nose is delicate, painted as a cat or pick shaped nose. Yajirō dolls are very colourful and the hair is often depicted with a circular or semi-circular pattern on top, sometimes with a fringe or sideburn-like lines.

Note on vintage items: These items are sourced with care from Japan and only wiped down with soft cloth once received. They are sold as-is, so what you see in the pictures is what you will receive. There might be some fading or small scratches due to age, so please look carefully before buying. 

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Kokeshi dolls are traditional Japanese wooden dolls that originated in the Tōhoku region of northern Japan in the 19th century. A kokeshi doll is characterised by a smooth, cylindrical body, a rounded head, and no arms or legs. Traditional kokeshi dolls have eleven major styles, each associated with a specific area or town in the Tōhoku region. Kokeshi dolls were initially made for children as toys, hence the smooth body for an easy grip, but over time they have become decorative items and collectibles.