Japanese Kokeshi dolls are traditionally made out of cherry wood, however this one is made of birch or aspen with a landscape scene of Mt. Fuji painted on the body. It is fairly large, standing 18" tall with a circumference of 14". This particular doll is most likely made after WWII (1945), when less traditional dolls were being created.

These wooden cylindrical dolls with no arms or legs have been made in Japan for centuries and are one of the most unique and interesting of Japan’s many traditional folk crafts. The first kokeshi dolls were made in the late Edo period (1804 – 1830), and were thought to have been produced as toys for children from leftover bits of scrap wood. The early dolls were made by craftsmen who earned their living creating other types of woodcraft, but who eventually began to create Kokeshi.

A very interesting centerpiece!