Kyodo Kokeshi Kuroda Bushi

¥7,980


Fukuoka Prefecture Regional Souvenir Kokeshi

  • Kyodo Kokeshi are regional dolls created based on local cultural themes such as folk songs, historical figures and traditional performing arts

  • These regional kokeshi were produced as souvenirs during the Showa era tourist boom (around mid 1950s-mid 1980s) and were highly collectable

  • They could also be acquired through specialized hobby associations via a monthly subscription model, as we know in this case by the original box and catalogue insert

  • This kokeshi was made in Fukuoka Prefecture in Kyushu, and represents the folk song Kuroda Bushi, featuring warrior Tahei Mori

  • He holds a Nihongo (one of the three great spears of Japan) and next to him is a large red Sakazuki (sake cup)

  • According to legend, Lord Kuroda sent his vassal, Tahei Mori, on an errand to a rival lord who was known to be a heavy drinker

  • Tahei was tested by the rival lord who poured him a huge cup of sake, declaring he would grant him any reward should he drink all of its contents

  • Not only did Tahei drain the entire cup in a single gulp, he continued to drink all of it despite the cup being refilled repeatedly, all while maintaining his composure

  • Once the challenge was completed, Tahei claimed his prize - the Nihongo (spear) which had been gifted to this rival lord by Japan’s second “Great Unifier”, Toyotomi Hideyoshi

  • As the rival lord was also drinking at the same pace, he honored the reward to Tahei

  • Upon sobering up the next day, he realized he had given away a national treasure and sent a messenger to retrieve the spear, however, Tahei refused

SIZE (Approx.)
LENGTH (of base) 9.0CM (3.4") X HEIGHT (highest point) 14.7CM (5.8")

WEIGHT (without packaging)
79 Grams
111 Grams (with original box)

CONDITION - VERY GOOD

Some scuffing on the paintwork from prolonged storage. Overall very good condition for its age.

Vintage, antique and pre-loved items may show some signs of aging or wear. Please inspect the photos carefully before making your purchase.

Please note colours may vary slightly depending on monitor settings.

CARING FOR YOUR KOKESHI

  • To dust, wipe gently with a dry soft cloth

  • Avoid touching kokeshi with wet hands as the dye/paint may run

  • Recommended to keep kokeshi away from direct sunlight to avoid wood from darkening and dye/paint fading

SHIPPING

Free Delivery - please refer to Shipping & Returns for further information.

The Buyer is responsible for any import duties, taxes (VAT), or fees that may apply.

Bundle purchases may be shipped in separate parcels due to size, weight, or fragility.

⚠️ US Customers only

  • Since August 29, 2025, additional import fees apply to all commercial parcels entering the US and must be prepaid.

  • These fees will appear under "Shipping" at checkout.

  • Please refer to Shipping & Returns for further information.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE KOKESHI


Fukuoka Prefecture Regional Souvenir Kokeshi

  • Kyodo Kokeshi are regional dolls created based on local cultural themes such as folk songs, historical figures and traditional performing arts

  • These regional kokeshi were produced as souvenirs during the Showa era tourist boom (around mid 1950s-mid 1980s) and were highly collectable

  • They could also be acquired through specialized hobby associations via a monthly subscription model, as we know in this case by the original box and catalogue insert

  • This kokeshi was made in Fukuoka Prefecture in Kyushu, and represents the folk song Kuroda Bushi, featuring warrior Tahei Mori

  • He holds a Nihongo (one of the three great spears of Japan) and next to him is a large red Sakazuki (sake cup)

  • According to legend, Lord Kuroda sent his vassal, Tahei Mori, on an errand to a rival lord who was known to be a heavy drinker

  • Tahei was tested by the rival lord who poured him a huge cup of sake, declaring he would grant him any reward should he drink all of its contents

  • Not only did Tahei drain the entire cup in a single gulp, he continued to drink all of it despite the cup being refilled repeatedly, all while maintaining his composure

  • Once the challenge was completed, Tahei claimed his prize - the Nihongo (spear) which had been gifted to this rival lord by Japan’s second “Great Unifier”, Toyotomi Hideyoshi

  • As the rival lord was also drinking at the same pace, he honored the reward to Tahei

  • Upon sobering up the next day, he realized he had given away a national treasure and sent a messenger to retrieve the spear, however, Tahei refused

SIZE (Approx.)
LENGTH (of base) 9.0CM (3.4") X HEIGHT (highest point) 14.7CM (5.8")

WEIGHT (without packaging)
79 Grams
111 Grams (with original box)

CONDITION - VERY GOOD

Some scuffing on the paintwork from prolonged storage. Overall very good condition for its age.

Vintage, antique and pre-loved items may show some signs of aging or wear. Please inspect the photos carefully before making your purchase.

Please note colours may vary slightly depending on monitor settings.

CARING FOR YOUR KOKESHI

  • To dust, wipe gently with a dry soft cloth

  • Avoid touching kokeshi with wet hands as the dye/paint may run

  • Recommended to keep kokeshi away from direct sunlight to avoid wood from darkening and dye/paint fading

SHIPPING

Free Delivery - please refer to Shipping & Returns for further information.

The Buyer is responsible for any import duties, taxes (VAT), or fees that may apply.

Bundle purchases may be shipped in separate parcels due to size, weight, or fragility.

⚠️ US Customers only

  • Since August 29, 2025, additional import fees apply to all commercial parcels entering the US and must be prepaid.

  • These fees will appear under "Shipping" at checkout.

  • Please refer to Shipping & Returns for further information.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE KOKESHI