Vintage Japanese Kokeshi Wooden Ouchi-Nuri Hina Doll Lacquered Emperor and Princess | Ouchi Lacquerware

Dimensions: 3-0”h x 3-1/4” dia. 

This pair of Ultra rare Ouchi dolls are particularly famous and a collectors set. The story behind the design of these dolls is that Hiroyo OUCHI, the ninth head of the clan, had doll makers move to Yamaguchi from Kyoto and produce dolls for his residence in order to comfort his wife who was homesick for Kyoto. These dolls have round faces, almond-shaped eyed, and puckered lips, and kept as an original pair. They are widely loved as a symbol of matrimonial happiness.

These dolls have three distinct coating processes, (undercoat, middle coat and overcoating). They have been decorated using a process called urushi-e, where the images are drawn using colored lacquer, haiku-e is also seen where gold and silver leaf is pasted to form the patterns and symbols of the Tokugawa Shogun Crest on their traditional garments. Highly sought after as a highly valued artifact.

Condition: Excellent condition means that the piece has no cracks, no loss of fading of the lacquer and no repairs retaining their fine and original details. Consistent with age and standards of collectible Vintage Japanese Dolls.