KOBO Seattle | since 1995
$ 520.00
Vintage Kōsen Dolls
Second Generation Kōsen Yamamoto (Nobuko Yamamoto)
"Kōsen dolls are traditional toys from Kochi Prefecture. The first-generation Kōsen Yamamoto, a female artist, began creating these folk dolls around 1949. After the first-generation Kōsen passed away in 1963, her eldest daughter, Nobuko, took over as the second generation, collaborating with her brother, Sadahiko, on production. However, due to difficulties in obtaining materials and a decline in interest in traditional toys, orders dwindled to almost nothing. In 1972, they relocated from Kochi Prefecture to Shiga Prefecture's Shigaraki, starting anew as Kōsen dolls.
In 1992, after Nobuko's passing, her brother Sadahiko became the third generation, but he also passed away the following year. After over 40 years, the Kōsen dolls came to an end."
7.5w x 9.5h x 10.5L
Kochi, Japan