Listing checklist before you buy
| Ask for | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Front, sides, back, top and base photographs | Cropped or filtered images make attribution and condition harder to judge. |
| A clear photograph of the base inscription | Lets you transcribe and compare the mark; see the signed kokeshi guide. |
| The seller’s basis for “vintage”, “rare” or a maker name | Strong claims need evidence; see the vintage kokeshi guide. |
| Close-ups of damage and repairs | Condition affects value and care; see the condition checklist. |
| Packing, insurance, returns and import rules | International delivery terms vary; we do not estimate duties. |
Ask for complete photographs
Look for full-object views, the base, close-ups of damage and a scale reference. Cropped or heavily filtered images make attribution and condition harder to judge.
Treat strong claims as questions
‘Antique’, ‘rare’, ‘museum quality’ and exact maker attributions need supporting evidence. Ask what the seller used to reach the conclusion.
Plan for international delivery
Check the seller’s packing method, return policy, insurance and the import rules that apply to your country. We do not estimate duties or guarantee delivery outcomes.
Value is not a single lookup
Condition, documented maker, provenance, size, quality, market and timing can all matter. A similar-looking sold item is a comparison point, not an appraisal.