This is an unusual pair of adorable miniature wooden Bobber or Nodder Kokeshi Dolls from Japan. They are in the original wood box. I am calling them Bobbers because the heads are made to turn around, they don't actually bob up and down unless you tap on them. The artistic simplicity of the design of limbless body and round head is typical of the traditional folk art style that was a perfect canvas for the artist to create on. These little dolls are hand painted and carved from wood. The bodies and heads are both round. The exquisitely patterned Kimonos or dress have colorful detailed designs in a maroon red, gold, black, white, and green. The boy doll has a black mouse or bear and an axe or hatchet with symbols in gold on the front. The Geisha girl has a hair piece in white green and red and the front of her Kimono has a white section with blue symbols. On her back is the Japanese flag with the red circle in the center. They both have painted on black hair, eyes and nose with a little red mouth. They measure just over 1 inch tall. The box measures 1 ¾ inches wide by 1 ½ inches tall and is 1 inch deep. These are most likely from the 1930s to early 1950s.

The dolls are in great vintage condition as you can see by the enlarged photographs. There is a bit of crazing and discoloration of the glaze over the paint, but the paint is intact, no chips or cracks in the wood. The heads turn easily. The box shows some age and a bit of residue on the top, the glass on the box could use a good cleaning, but I will leave that up to you. It will most likely polish up nicely.

These would make a great addition to your collection. They are a wonderful example of fine Japanese craftsmanship. The Kokeshi dolls are considered lucky charms and are often bought in the belief that the doll will protect a home against fire.

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