

Antique Kobe Toy
Antique Japanese Kobe Daruma Toy | Kobe Kobi Toy
Age:Meiji Period (1890 - 1912)
Descriptive qualities& condition:
Dimensions: 1-5/8”h x 1-1/2” dia
For sale is a beautiful Antique Japanese Red Cinnabar faced Kobe Doll in the form of a Daruma from the Meiji Period. They were once as well-known as the port itself. The Kobe Dolls were sold at souvenir shops on the Motomachi Shopping Street and near Nunobiki Waterfall where tourists gathered. Their jocular facial expressions attracted the attention of Kobekko and tourists. This Kobe doll was made to have three retractable elements, these are the eyes and tongue that project forwards when shaken.
Kobe Toys of this type are typically Japanese based on religious beliefs at the time and not much is known about them. This is only one type of toy that was created and hand made during the Meiji period in Japan, and toys which are quite rare and were sold as mementos at the docks where the sailers in port arrived on foreign ships.
Condition: Exceptional condition exhibiting an aged patination and meticulous care, no scratches, no damage with minimal imperfections related to daily use. The two eyes pop out more easily than the tongue which is most likely because of use and age. “As is” meaning the object has not been cleaned or restored and retains the original craftsmanship.