Kokeshi are traditional Japanese wooden dolls that were once adored by Japanese children as handmade, one-of-a-kind toys, but in more recent times they’ve been appreciated throughout the world as endearing ornamental objects created by skilled craftsmen. But as beautiful as they might be simply placed on a table or in a display cabinet, they can now double as handy wine bottle closures for those (rare) occasions where a bottle of wine goes unfinished.

Source: HANDECO

Source: HANDECO

The kokeshi wine bottle closures are made by HANDECO, a Japanese brand offering handcrafted products inspired by traditional Japanese crafts and culture. Their creations utilize materials and techniques originating from various regions throughout Japan, and these practical yet oh-so-cute dolls are made in the style of Yajiro and Naruko kokeshi dolls (there are 11 different kokeshi styles in all), both with roots in Miyagi Prefecture.

Source: HANDECO

Source: HANDECO

There are also daruma bottle closures in addition to the kokeshi-shaped ones, and through items like these HANDECO hopes to carry on the historical traditions of Japanese craftsmen throughout the country. No two kokeshi dolls are identical, and each truly unique wine bottle closure can be purchased online for 5,724 yen (USD$52).


By - grape Japan editorial staff.