Antique Japanese Dice Holder Red Cinnabar Lacquer Daruma Kobe Doll

For sale is a beautiful Antique Japanese Dice Holder Red Cinnabar Lacquer Kobe Doll in the form of a Daruma doll from the Meiji Period. Kobe Dolls are the name given to mechanical wooden dolls unique to Kobe, Japan. They were once as well-known as the port itself. The Kobe Dolls were produced from the mid-Meiji era (ca. 1890) until about 1920, and sold at souvenir shops on Motomachi Shopping Street and near Nunobiki Waterfall where tourists gathered. Their funny movement and jocular facial expressions attracted the attention of Kobekko and tourists. This Kobe doll is made from red cinnabar lacquer dating to the 1890s. All parts are complete including the set of five dice, the two eyes and the tongue. This Kobe doll dice holder had three moving parts, these are the eyes and tongue and these project forwards when moved! This is in great condition, and the cinnabar has gained a great patina over time, unfortunately there is some flaking of the cinnabar around the side so please do view the photos for more details. Guaranteed original or money back. This will be sent via Special delivery and insured and sent via Royal Mail for and dispatched within 2-3 working days.