Sosaku Laughing Kokeshi Good Luck Symbol by Sato Koson

This a pair of 2 piece Kokeshi dolls. The taller piece measures 7 inches high and its head measures about 3.5 inches in diameter. The smaller one measures 6.5 inches high and its head measures 3.25 inches in diameter. The diameter of the body of the larger piece measures about 3.75 inches and 3 inches for the smaller one.

The Sosaku style Kokeshi dolls literally means "Creative Creations" and they are a type of wooden dolls made by turning on a lathe like the traditional Kokeshi dolls. The difference is that in general, Sosaku Kokeshi artists are trying to express a certain theme through designing dolls.

The most notable feature of this piece is its laughing face. There is an old Japanese proverb saying that laughter brings happiness and fortune and this piece personifies the spirit of the proverb. The artist stamped his name at the bottom of the piece that reads "made by Koson, Registered Design #7111764" and she is a Sosaku Kokeshi artist, Sato Koson of Fukushima Prefecture of Japan.

By placing the face tilted upwards or downwards, the type of laughter shifts from guffawing to chortling but either way they appear to be always doubling up with laughter. Their happiness is infectious that you'll begin to smile by just looking at their laughing face. The inscription on the body reads "prayer for bringing happiness." This particular Koson's Kokeshi is well-known as the "Koson Kokeshi" or "Shofuku Kokeshi" literally means Kokeshi that brings good luck and fortune.

The condition is very good and their age is from the 1970's.

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