COMPLETE Traditional Kokeshi SET w/Case

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NAME: Set of 12 traditional Japanese Kokeshi, 2nd edition. Includes one each of the 11 families plus one and custom glass case.

MAKER: 12 Various

SIZE: Dolls range from 10" to 10-5/8". Glass Case is 23-3/8" long x 12-3/8" deep x 19-3/8" high.

CONDITION: There is a dent on the top of the Yajiro and there may be other light dents or scratches elsewhere but overall, these should be considered in excellent condition.

NOTES: Incredible set planned by the Sony Family Club, Inc., a mail order business, which I believe was sold or is no longer in business.

Background: In 1996 (or 1997), Sony selected famous and popular makers to make dolls for the set. The original set had 15 dolls. The sets were sold only as complete sets. I have heard the first set sold for over 110,000yen (approx. US$1,150.00) and this has been confirmed. The dolls were distributed over a 12 month period and I belive the charge was 9300yen a month. The case was optional and at additional cost.

In the 2nd edition, the number of dolls was 12. The case was optional and at extra cost.

THIS SET: This is the 2nd edition. There are 12 dolls, one each of the 11 traditional kokeshi systems plus an extra Narugo and the glass case which is black lacquered wood.

If you ever thought you'd like an example of each of the 11 traditional kokeshi systems, consider this set. All the work was done for you -- gathering prime examples, all consistent in size. It's not an easy task. It's actually the only "formal" set I know of. This is a showcase set.

About the case: I had priced out kokeshi cases available in the U.S. a few years ago which is somewhat similar in size. I'm not sure if the new cases are wood or plastic but the price was $250.00. This case was custom made for the set and is all wood except for metal strips protecting the edges of the top two steps. The steps have a red felt material attached.

IMPORTANT: The case was taken apart for shipment. (Re-assembly is fairly straightforward and instructions will be included). I would rather not open it up and put it together to take it apart again as extra handling is never good. I am currently trying to get permission to run a picture of the dolls in the case. In the meantime, please email me and I will be happy to show you a picture.

Shipping: There is no extra charge to U.S. addresses for shipping. The dolls will be shipped via priority. I haven't figured out how the case will be packed but because of the weight of about 30 pounds, the plan is to use parcel post. You are welcome to upgrade to priority and pay the additional cost, but the difference is substantial, $40 to $50.

A set of 10 Daruma was also available and I have listed the 2nd edition Daruma set with case.

And finally: These sets are extremely hard to find. Additionally, my friends at Kijidokoro-Sato, who had a doll in the 1st edition, feel that it is "pretty difficult to get all the kokeshi in a set at one time and is valuable in that way".

This product was added to our catalog on Friday 03 April, 2009.