RARE VINTAGE 1955 KOKESHI MAILER DOLL
Product details
Vintage 1955 Kokeshi Mailer Doll with Bobblehead & Hidden Note – Traditional Design, 11cm
This delightful 11cm Kokeshi mailer doll, sent in 1955, is a rare and beautifully preserved example of post-war Japanese folk art.
Crafted in the traditional style, this “nodder” Kokeshi features classic side hair fringes and straight-cut bangs. Its head gently bobbles atop a body made from a single piece of hollowed-out wood — a clever design that conceals a handwritten personal note tucked inside. The base unscrews to reveal the message, still intact after nearly 70 years (see image detail).
These dolls were once a whimsical and heartfelt way to send messages, predating the widespread use of postcards. This piece was mailed in 1955 and still bears the original sender’s information on the bottom, offering a tangible link to its past.
The doll is also titled and signed on the back, though the writing — composed in older kanji — is no longer easily translatable, adding an air of mystery and nostalgia.
A wonderful collector’s piece for those drawn to traditional Japanese craftsmanship, mid-century travel mementos, or the quiet poetry of objects with hidden stories.
Similar products
