A little bit about the history of kokeshi dolls
The origin of kokeshi
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. The dolls may originally have had a spiritual significance with the
kokeshi representing a wish for a healthy child. It has also been suggested
that kokeshi, with their round heads and limbless bodies probably made in an
unpainted form originally, were used as massage tools by spa bathers. The name
'kokeshi' itself is thought to derive from a combination of names given to the
wooden dolls in the various areas of their manufacture.
Kokeshi today
Using wood that has been seasoned for several months, typically from the dark
cherry or the lighter mizuki tree, the kokeshi craftsman turns and cuts the
doll on a lathe and polishes it to a fine finish. The head and body are
generally turned separately then attached together by way of a plug. The
kokeshi craftsman then finally hand paints on the face and the kimono
pattern. An interesting video about how kokeshi are made today can be seen on www.mustlovejapan.com.
Kokeshi are generally bought by Japanese as mementos. In addition to being
ornamental, they are also seen as charms to prevent fires or even ward off
evil. Mizuki, the wood often used to make the kokeshi doll's face, literally
translates as "water tree". It is a very moist wood and some Japanese believe
that having a kokeshi in their home helps prevent fire.
Kokeshi, celebrated today as one of Japan's folk arts, are of two types, traditional and creative.
Traditional kokeshi
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. The traditional
kokeshi, shown in the picture here, come from
Naruko.
Creative kokeshi
Creative kokeshi, relatively new having only developed as an art form since the
2nd World War, retain the limbless kokeshi characteristic. However, they are
more contemporary in their design with perhaps a more shapely body, added
features such as hair, as well as colourful exquisitely patterned kimono.
Creative kokeshi are 'created' by artists, and have features and styles unique
to their own particular artist or creator. The majority of creative kokeshi are
made in Gunma prefecture. The creative
kokeshi, shown in the picture here, are a small selection of those sold by Japanya.
Kokeshi collecting
Kokeshi dolls have been popular in Japan for generations and this popularity can
be seen in the vast range of sizes and variety of dolls available, both past
and present. Japanya's collection of old kokeshi (not for sale) shown in the
picture below, was built up by one 88 year old Japanese lady on her many visits
to onsen. You can see that the unpainted wood (usually the faces of creative
kokeshi) can darken with age. In addition to making beautiful ornaments,
kokeshi have to some Japanese people a spiritual significance. Mizuki, the wood
commonly used for making the kokeshi face, literally translates as 'water tree'
and is thought to have fire-resistant properties. A kokeshi doll, therefore, is
considered a lucky charm and is often bought in the belief that she will
protect a home against fire. Happy kokeshi hunting!
Kokeshi making regions of Japan
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