This listing is for a vintage Japanese kokeshi doll.  These are traditional wooden dolls dating back to the late Edo period (early 1800s). Originally made as toys and souvenirs for visitors, they symbolize protection and good luck but have also become valued souvenirs representing visited temples and villages. 

This charming miniature kokeshi features a cheerful rounded head with an expressive painted face and a tiny topknot, paired with an angular body painted in red and black. The obi belt is green with yellow accenting. Despite its small size, the hand painted work gives it plenty of personality, from the gentle blush on the cheeks to the crisp lines of the kimono. Its faceted body and cute proportions make it a wonderfully unique display piece.

1" x 2" x 1" - Extra Small Size

Kokeshi are often a simple cylindrical body, a round head that sometimes bobbles and a painted face or carved patterns with a serene expression. There are two styles - traditional (dento) and creative (shingata) which emerged after WWII to show more freedom in design, color, and themes. Click here to learn more about this wonderful Japanese folk art.