Kokeshi

Rare 1950s Trio of Miniature "Noddy Head" (Kubi-Furi) Kokeshi Dolls

Product details

Inject a dose of pure vintage joy into your collection with this incredibly rare, matched set of three 1950s miniature Kubi-Furi (nodding or "Noddy" head) Kokeshi dolls. Ranging from 6.5cm to 8.5cm tall, these delightful post-war treasures feature a highly unusual avant-garde design inspired by traditional Japanese spinning tops (koma).

Each tiny doll is expertly engineered with a kinetic bobble head resting on a delicate neck peg, allowing them to tilt, sway, and nod merrily at the slightest touch.

  • The Tallest Doll (Left - 8.5cm): Features a sharp, sweeping black teardrop hairstyle, a detailed freehand painted kimono pattern, and a charming purple textile cord wrapped around her neck.

  • The Center Doll (7.5cm): Stands out with a striking silver-painted pedestal base, beautifully detailed floral sunburst stenciling across her wide collar, and a braided green-gold cord accent.

  • The Smallest Doll (Right - 6.5cm): A beautifully balanced, compact figure featuring a soft golden base, a warm orange textile collar accent, and fine-line green sprig details across her torso.

All three figures boast incredibly sweet, hand-painted expressions with squinting, joyful eyes, tiny red lips, and a delicate white-dotted nose accent characteristic of playful 1950s folk art.

An Exceptionally Rare Surviving Trio

Finding a single nodding miniature from this era with its fragile neck mechanism intact is a great find—unearthing a perfectly graduated set of three that has stayed together for over 70 years is an absolute triumph for collectors. The natural hardwood has aged beautifully, offering a deep honey-amber patina that perfectly reflects true Showa-era history.

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