Kokeshi Naruko Black

Traditional vintage Naruko style kokeshi. Traditional kokeshi are very simple in their design with round heads and cylindrical limbless bodies.
This kokeshi was made in Naruko Onsen, Miyagi prefecture, one of the major kokeshi production areas in Tohoku.
The head and body are made up of two pieces of wood inserted into each other so that when you turn the kokeshi's head it emits a squeak, this is the most distinctive feature of Naruko-style kokeshi. The face with sober features has an innocent and childlike expression. The bust tapers a little in the central part and chrysanthemum flowers are painted on it.
The kokeshi stands approximately 24.5cm tall and 6cm in diameter. Despite being a vintage piece, its overall condition is very good. At the base is the signature of the artist who made it.