Kokeshi Pin Cushion/Trinket Box

This  unusual piece has clearly been made by a kokeshi doll maker from the north of Japan and is decorated with  characteristic simple  red and  green brushwork.  It has the maker's signature 'Yamamoto' under  the stylised shop name 'Yamaguchi'.  I'm not sure if it would have originally been made as a pincushion.  I think more likely a trinket box that someone has fitted the pincushion into - it's not really that practical to have a fitted lid on a pincushion!  The diameter is 10 cm and height is 4cm.  The wood is in excellent condition but with some marks and discolouring  from age and use.  I haven't tried to wash it and don't recommend washing it -  the paint work isn't likely to be colourfast.  Mid-20th century

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