This is a collection of Kokeshi dolls made in Japan from lathe turned wood. The head is on a dowel inserted loosely into the body such that it nods when moved. They are brilliantly painted and more of an ornament than a toy. Sizes vary from 3.5 to 9 in. Some date from the 1950’s.
Monthly Archives: October 2014
Cooking On An Cast Iron Stove
The 7 in. peg-wooden doll is cooking on a cast iron stove while the 4 in. children look on. This little family would feel right at home in a doll house.
Artist Manikin Dolls
The two 13 in. artist’s manikins posed here were precision made of hardwood for adjusting in many positions. I made both outfits from a pattern specifically drafted for them. The similar manikin holding a spool doll shows its construction.
Tyrolean Couple Dolls
A 2.25 in. wooden Tyrolean couple can be seen inside this house plaque. They were originally made to be a lapel pin and hung together on a chain attached to a safety pin. Their arms and legs are peg jointed. The house (circa 1950) is marked, “This Plaque is a Genuine Hand Carved Item made in the Italian Alps.”
The Dolls I Made For Christmas
These 8 in. twins with wooden heads on felt bodies were easy to make and fun to dress. I made them for Christmas many years ago when all the kids were still at home.
Swedish Wooden Dolls
Could these three jolly 7 in. wood elves be Santa’s helpers on the day after Christmas? They are staying cozy in their knitted outfits after a job well done. A tag on their foot reads “Made in Sweden.”
