A storage problem solved

I have been sorting the bungalow in stages, and while thinking about it at night, yesterday I went hunting for this shelf that had held some of Celia's million snow domes

I found it and a small can of cream paint. I gave it 2 coats letting them dry for an hour then drying overnight.
It's not perfect as I didn't have the best size brush so there are some drip marks on the inside edge of some rows, but the contents should detract from too much inspection!!

This is part of my collection of Japanese toys. Celia started to collect Kokeshi dolls as well  but that is another whole collection we have.

The figures on the top two rows and the edge figures on the 3rd are pottery: I particularly love the little horse and the monk in his blue robe

       These Kokeshi Dolls  represent the four seasons (L-R) Springs, Summer, Autumn, Winter 

Kokeshi dolls originate from the Tohoku region of Northern Japan, an area well-known for its onsen (hot spring) resorts. These handmade wooden dolls are thought to date back to the early 19th century when kijiya (woodworkers), accustomed to making bowls and trays, began using their woodworking skills and lathes to make simple dolls to sell as toys and souvenirs to the onsen visitors. 

Traditional kokeshi, produced only in the six prefectures of Tohoku, are very simple in their design with round heads and cylindrical limbless bodies. The floral and linear patterns painted on their kimonos have been developed and passed down through generations of kokeshi makers and are distinctive to the area where they are made.

Daruma Koma

These spinning tops ( KOMA) work a treat! You hold the ring and pull the string out then let go and put the top down. When it finishes spinning the cord has rewound.  

Next to the Koma on the lower shelf is a Kendama  a traditional Japanese toy composed of a handle and ball connected by a string. The handle has two cups and a spike and the purpose is to catch the ball with the cups or on the spike. They even have toyrnaments! (now that was a Freudian spelling slip!!) Tournaments I meant! 

The next challenge is working out how to fix it so it doesn't fall down!!