Vintage Japanese Sosaku Wood Kokeshi Doll Sleeping Girl Flowers Hair Bow

Wooden, Japanese, armless doll - hand-painted with cherry blossoms and a wooden bow. Height: 9.5 inches -- This is from my mother in law's estate - she lived in japan from the 50's to the 70's This doll is in excellent vintage condition - no flaws to note Kokeshi are wooden peg-style dolls. They are handmade from cherry or dogwood and have a simple body, enlarged head, a few painted lines that create an expressive face and a floral design on the body to represent robes. This style of doll originated during the Edo period (1600 to 1868) in Northern Japan. The design was based on the simple one-piece wooden dolls enjoyed by peasant children. After World War II, the art form blossomed and spread throughout Japan. The traditional forms were expanded, and new styles were developed as the Kokeshi became part of post war popular culture.