Vintage Kokeshi Doll, Miyashita Hajime, Japan.

Beautiful vintage kokeshi doll crafted by Miyashita Hajime.

The kokeshi is intricately decorated with a hand-carved floral motif on the wood.

At the bottom, there is a label with the maker's signature.

Dimensions: height 20 cm, diameter 10 cm. In good condition.

Artist Miyashita Hajime (1940~) has won multiple awards for his kokeshi dolls. The current Japanese emperor and empress are fans of his work and used to collect his dolls. In 2006, he retired after his kokeshi shop burned down.

"Kokeshi" are traditional Japanese wooden dolls with a simple, cylindrical shape, a round head, and a floral motif or painted design.

These dolls originated in northern Japan and are often handcrafted from wood. Kokeshi dolls are known for their charming simplicity and are considered folk art. They are popular as collectibles and decorative items, with each region in Japan having its own unique style of Kokeshi doll. The dolls are often associated with wishes for happiness and are sometimes given as gifts.