1957 / 30" Tall Vintage Japanese Wooden Kokeshi Doll with Floral Decoration

A vintage Japanese wooden kokeshi doll featuring a distinctive hand-painted floral motif on the front of its gently shaped body, dated 1957. The bold flower is rendered in sweeping brushstrokes, with layered details that stand out against the warm, darkened wood. The face has a calm, understated expression, framed by black painted hair and complemented by delicate red decorative markings around the head.

The subtly tapering body and expressive painted details give the doll a distinctive presence, reflecting the appeal of traditional Japanese wooden folk art. The surface displays an aged patina, with fading to the painted decoration that lends the piece a timeworn appearance. The head and body appear to be separately constructed, although the precise fitting mechanism and the doll’s regional lineage have not been confirmed.

Materials

Wood, with hand-painted facial features, hair and floral decoration. The wood species and original surface finish have not been identified.

Dimensions

Height: 76cm
Width at head: 12cm

Condition and Antique Character

The doll displays a darkened wooden surface and fading to the painted decoration, contributing to its aged appearance. There is a couple of visible crack on the back and some minor splits on the top of the head, as shown in the photos. Please inspect the photographs for any additional wear, including scratches, paint loss, cracks, repairs or looseness at the head-to-body joint. 

Please study all photos, as they form a part of the description.