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History of Kokeshi wooden dolls from Japan

Little is known of the early history of Japanese wooden Kokeshi dolls. One school of thought believes that Kokeshi dolls have their origin in the practice of spiritualistic religion. Wooden dolls were thought to contain the spiritual essence of the dead and were often made for honorary keepsakes.

The modern history of Japanese Kokeshi dolls began in the latter part of the Edo Era (1603-1867). Originating from the Tohiku region of northern Japan, famous for its rejuvenating hot springs and hot springs, the Kokeshi dolls acted as an important source of additional income for local artisans known as Kijiya (which means carpenter in Japanese), who are they specialized in woodworking and the production of household utensils such as wooden trays and bowls. In severe winters, these Kijiya artisans began making “Kokeshi dolls” to sell as souvenirs to visitors who frequented the local hot springs. The dolls acted not only as souvenirs, but also as massage tools used by bathers to touch their shoulders while enjoying the warm benefits of the hot springs.

Kokeshi dolls had a very simple design, originally made with manual lathes. Traditional Kokeshi dolls had common characteristics consisting of a basic cylindrical body without limbs and a round head. Although the first dolls may not have been painted, today most Kokeshi are painted with bright floral designs, kimonos, and other traditional patterns. The colors used were red, yellow and purple. As all dolls are hand painted, no two faces are the same. This is perhaps the greatest charm of the Kokeshi. Some dolls are whimsical, happy, and smiling, while others are serious.

Soon their popularity spread throughout Japan and they became favorites as wooden toys for those who couldn’t afford porcelain dolls. Also, the simple, rounded shapes of the dolls slow down like toddler teething rings.

Kokeshi dolls traditionally represented girls and quickly became popular for their depiction of female beauty. Furthermore, their simple charm and association with childhood meant that they were often given when a child was born, as a birthday gift, or as a symbol of remembrance when a child died. Also, Japanese wooden Kokeshi dolls were popular with farmers’ children, as it was thought that they would promise a good harvest, as it was believed that it would create a positive impression on the gods if children played with the dolls.

The woods used for Kokeshi vary. The cherry is distinguished by its darkness. Mizuko or dogwood is softer and is used a lot. Itaya-kaede, a Japanese maple, is also used. The wood is left in the open air to dry for one to five years before it can be used to make a doll. Today, Kokeshi is recognized as one of the traditional folk arts of Japan.

Despite their common characteristics, there are two schools of design, Traditional Kokeshi and Creative Kokeshi.

Traditional kokeshi are still produced for the most part only in the six prefectures of the Tohoku region. The twelve design schools here exhibit distinctive characteristics that allow experts to tell exactly where they have been produced, and often by whom.

Creative Kokeshi does not follow traditional designs originating from the Tohoku region and instead has an unstructured and completely free inspiration in terms of shape and paint, the only traditional restriction is its manufacture by lathe. Unlike traditional kokeshi, they do not display any of their distinctive local colors or techniques that had been passed down from generation to generation. They simply represent the creative thinking and skill of the craftsman.

Traditional and creative handcrafted dolls have become a cause for celebration in Tohoku and throughout Japan. Every year in early September, people gather at Naruko Onsen, where artisans from across the country gather to honor Kokeshi in a competition where the number one award is a Prime Minister’s award.

There are many different styles of Kokeshi, but there is one philosophy that all Kokeshi dolls share, and that is the pursuit of beauty and art through simplicity. This philosophy is extolled on the website: http://www.dollsofjapan.co.uk

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