Very rare. A pair of vintage kokeshi dolls departs from the traditional Japanese style, instead embracing an international theme inspired by Spanish culture. Handcrafted with slim, elongated bodies and finely painted details, these dolls beautifully capture the essence of Spanish heritage, specifically a matador (bullfighter) and a flamenco dancer.
Left Doll – Spanish Matador (Bullfighter) The male figure is dressed as a matador, the skilled bullfighter central to Spain’s famous corrida (bullfighting tradition).He wears an elaborate traje de luces ("suit of lights"), painted in vibrant blue with yellow embellishments, mimicking the intricate embroidery of a real matador’s attire. A black wide-brimmed hat (montera) sits atop his head, a distinctive feature of traditional matador outfits.
Right Doll – Flamenco Dancer. The female figure is dressed in a flamenco-inspired outfit, associated with Spain’s passionate and rhythmic dance tradition. She wears a vibrant red dress with a black silhouette of a bull, emphasizing the cultural link between flamenco and Spain’s bullfighting heritage. A beaded necklace and decorative accents adorn the upper part of the dress, evoking the ornate, expressive fashion of flamenco performers. On her head, she wears a small teal beret, a unique artistic touch that symbolize regional Spanish influences.
This kokeshi pair represents a celebration of Spanish culture, likely crafted as an international souvenir or a tribute to Spain’s vibrant traditions. The combination of the matador and flamenco dancer reflects Spain’s iconic artistic and performance heritage, where bullfighting and flamenco share deep historical and cultural roots.
Size: 11.5 cm tall
