Hakata Doll, Bride and Groom, Unglazed Pottery, Japan, Vintage

• Made in Japan
• Vintage: 1970's - 1980's (estimated)
• Details:  A lovely wedding couple, part of the Hakata Doll tradition. They are dressed in the traditional Japanese wedding kimonos and have very sweet faces.  Each piece is hand painted with extremely fine detail.  One retains their "Made in Japan" blue paper sticker.  We have seen these dolls dated to the 1960's, although some Hakata Dolls are from that period, and even older, these wedding couples we believe are more recent.  The detail on these dolls are is outstanding,  there are minor condition issues, please see "Condition" below.     
• Material:  Ceramic (Unglazed Clay)
• Dimensions: Groom Approx.: 5.5 inches Tall, 3.0 inches Wide and 3.25 inches Deep.  Bride: same dimensions except a little wider, approx. 3.5 inches Wide) 
• Condition:  Vintage - Used.  Good Vintage Condition.   Groom minor paint loss on his left cheek and hands.  Bride has small area of paint loss and black marks on her hat.  They both need to be cleaned up and they'll look great.   We've  photographed issues for you.  Please review all pictures and make sure you love this item before purchasing, we can't accept returns.  All Sales Final.  Please remember these are ANTIQUE and VINTAGE items, they are NOT new, every effort has been made to show any scratches, wear and tear and imperfections. 

Hakata Dolls date back to the 17th century.  They originated in Hakata, which was a district in Fukuoka before the city merger in 1889. The largest city on the southern Japanese island of Kyushu, Fukuoka is actually two cities - Fukuoka and Hakata - rolled into one.   During WWII, Hakata dolls became very popular with American soldiers, who brought them back as souvenirs and presents. Japan started exporting Hakata dolls worldwide shortly afterwards.  The typical Hakata is unglazed, however, you will find some are glazed, we prefer them unglazed as the glazing dulls the finish.  Today Hakata dolls, or ningyo, are one of Fukuoka's most iconic symbols and enduring crafts.