Rare & Beautiful

Antique Gifts & Treasures

Our collection is carefully curated with vintage items that were crafted by hand. Shop our selection of Kokeshi, toys and other wonderful items ranging from 100 years old.

Shop Our Collection
Vintage and modern japanese Kokeshi Dolls

“Folk art stirs memories of place, affirms individual taste and identity, and a trace of life’s everlasting impressions”

The hidden beauty of everyday objects

ようこそ

Mingei Arts represents a diverse collection of Japanese folk arts— antique and vintage objects of beauty, vitality and charm, illuminating the history and daily life of ordinary Japanese people and artisans of the 18th to the 21st centuries.

We welcome domestic and international vintage and modern Kokeshi fans, and we thank you for visiting our site.

Vintage and modern japanese Kokeshi Dolls

“Folk art stirs memories of place, affirms individual taste and identity, and a trace of life’s everlasting impressions”

The hidden beauty of everyday objects

ようこそ

Mingei Arts represents a diverse collection of Japanese folk arts— antique and vintage objects of beauty, vitality and charm, illuminating the history and daily life of ordinary Japanese people and artisans of the 18th to the 21st centuries.

We welcome domestic and international vintage and modern Kokeshi fans, and we thank you for visiting our site.

One of the most beautiful pieces I have purchased in over 10 years

– DBL

Delightful and well-written book. Exceptional large color image with great descriptions and details.

– Sara

As always, a carefully packed order arrived this morning...a great doll and another copy of your new book will be a great Christmas present for my friend.

– Kathy

Wonderful exposition. The artwork on each doll is like a unique painting historically recording the Japanese culture.

– TM

Explore folklore and its influence on Mingei and the cultural heritage of the Traditional Arts of Japan.

Journey Through Japan

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Zodiac Animals in Japanese Folklore: Kokeshi and Wood Carvings

Zodiac Animals in Japanese Folklore: Kokeshi and Wood Carvings

Chinese Buddhist monks introduced the Zodiac to Japan in the 600s. Ancient astronomers divided the course Jupiter takes through the sky into twelve sections, assigning one of the characters of the ...

A Creditable Artistic Exchange

A Creditable Artistic Exchange

Kokeshi woodcraft and fashion have a positive long-standing relationship since Kokeshi was first introduced to the Japanese travelers and utilized motifs still used today. Intrigued with new forms,...

Evolution of Jewelry in Japan

Evolution of Jewelry in Japan

“Preserving cultural history and outstanding Japanese craftsmanship” Prior to the 18th century, most of the jewelry at the beginning of the Japanese fashion was focused on Kimono and Haori, (the tr...

Japanese Traditional Kokeshi Families

Hijiori-Kei (Family)

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Kijiyama-Kei (Family)

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Nakanosowa-Kei (Family)

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Nambu/Kina-Kina-Kei (Family)

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Narugo-Kei (Family)

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Tougatta-Kei (Family)

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Tsuchiyu-Kei (Family)

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Yajirou-Kei (Family)

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Tsugaru-Kei (Family)

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Yamagata-Sakunami-Kei (Family)

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Zao-Kei (Family)

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Hijiori-Kei (Family)

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Kijiyama-Kei (Family)

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Nakanosowa-Kei (Family)

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Nambu/Kina-Kina-Kei (Family)

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Narugo-Kei (Family)

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Tougatta-Kei (Family)

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Tsuchiyu-Kei (Family)

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Yajirou-Kei (Family)

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Tsugaru-Kei (Family)

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Yamagata-Sakunami-Kei (Family)

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Zao-Kei (Family)

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