Red Oh no Konbo by Sameshima Kōgei

Oh no Konbo are small Japanese folk toys, that are traditionally kept in kitchen spaces in the southern prefecture of Kagoshima.

Made in washi papier mache, the figures right themselves when pushed.

Originally it was believed that by stationing Oh no Konbo to a number one higher than the members of a family each new year, happiness to the extra degree would be visited on the household.

From the friendly vigil they kept in Kagoshima kitchens, the tradition for Oh no Konbo for a period declined, before the Sameshima micro-company revived it.

Kanehira Sameshima remembered the figures from his youth, and together with his wife, paints and makes each figure individually.  Their peaceful and kind expressions emanating from his brush.

They are 4cm wide and 5.5cm high, and weigh around 16g.

Also available in white and yellow.