KOGEDO
Rare vintage Japanese Kokeshi – Naruko Ginzan Oshin – signed Momoru Izu 伊豆護 – 30.5cm
Rare vintage Japanese Kokeshi – Naruko Ginzan Oshin – signed Momoru Izu 伊豆護 – 30.5cm
✨ Unique piece — only one available.
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- Free delivery to relay point
- 14 day guarantee
- 100% secure payment
📐 Characteristics
- Origin: Japan, Ginzan Onsen (Yamagata), unearthed in Fukushima prefecture
- Style: Traditional Kokeshi – Naruko (Ginzan-kei sub-style)
- Artisan: Mamoru Izu (伊豆護)
- Era: 1980s (Shōwa era)
- Material: Lathe-turned wood, hand-painted
- Height: 30.5 cm
- Condition: Excellent vintage condition
🧑 The Artisan Mamoru Izu (伊豆護, 1925–2019)
He is one of the most important figures in the Naruko Ginzan style. Born in Ginzan Shinhata, he comes from a lineage of wood artisans: his older brother, Izu Sadao, was trained by master Ando Reitaro. After learning turning as a self-taught craftsman, Mamoru Izu turned to kokeshi in the 1950s. He is now recognized as the Artisan behind the so-called "Oshin" kokeshi, popularized in the drama of the same name.
Description
This kokeshi, typical of the Ginzan-kei style, is distinguished by the subtle balance between the strength of raw wood and the delicacy of the lines. The face, painted with restraint but great finesse, displays a peaceful, almost meditative expression. The black hairstyle is marked with a red Janome pattern. The body reveals the grain and knots of the turned wood — a detail sought after by collectors who appreciate the raw materiality of vintage pieces.
This style of kokeshi is often associated with the character of Oshin, the heroine of the cult Japanese TV series from the 1980s. In the series, a similar doll is given to her by her mother, becoming a symbol of deep attachment and transmission.
🦝 Our opinion:
Rare and unique Kokeshi style. We love the varnished raw wood and the magnificent grain that stands out. A truly modern collector's item!
Want to delve deeper into the world of traditional Japanese dolls?
→ Discover all our artisan kokeshi in our KOGEDO collection

By purchasing from Kogedo, you are helping to keep traditional Japanese crafts and culture alive.
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📦 Is delivery really free?
Yes! It is offered and tracked at a Mondial Relay pick-up point (or delivered to your home if your order is over €150). Each order is carefully protected, packaged and shipped from France.
🎌 Are the items authentic?
Absolutely. All pieces are sourced in Japan from local vendors, markets, or artisans. They are authentic vintage items or Japanese handicrafts, unique and steeped in history.
✨ It's a one-of-a-kind piece. What if someone buys it before I do?
Unfortunately… there won’t be two of them! If you like a product, don’t wait too long. Once sold, it disappears from the shop. But sometimes some tableware may be available in multiple copies!
🔁 Can I return an item if I change my mind?
Yes, you have 14 days after receipt to contact us. We will always find a benevolent solution if an item does not suit you.
🔐 Is the payment secure?
Of course. The site is fully secured via Shopify (credit card, Visa, Mastercard, ApplePay, Paypal, Klarna, iDEAL and Bancontact) and your payments are protected.
💳 Do you offer installment payments?
Yes. For orders starting from €250, you can pay in 3 interest-free installments via Klarna.
It is also possible to pay in 4 interest-free installments via PayPal, depending on your PayPal account's eligibility.
This option is automatically offered at checkout if your order is eligible.