Kokeshi Japanese Dolls

Kokeshi wooden dolls are one of the most unique and interesting of Japan's many traditional folk crafts. Originating in the early 19th century in the northern spa towns of Miyagi prefecture, kokeshi are thought to have first been produced as toys for children from leftover bits of scrap wood. These early dolls were made by craftsmen who earned their living producing other types of woodcraft, but who eventually began to create kokeshi to be sold as souvenirs in the area's many local hot spring resorts. Over time the craft was refined, with many regional varieties appearing reflecting a wide range of technical and artistic variation. Today there are several schools of kokeshi design led by master craftsmen who often pass their trade to succeeding generations within their own family.
When collecting kokeshi it is important to note that you will likely encounter two main types; dolls which are made by craftsmen and those which are mass-produced to be sold as souvenirs. The former are usually one-of-a-kind originals created by dedicated artisans who take their work very seriously and place great emphasis on traditional design and appearance. The other type of kokeshi are those which are manufactured specifically to be sold as souvenirs of famous or interesting places such as resorts or hot springs. These are produced en-mass, and while often attractive and interesting memorabilia they are not as frequently sought after by collectors and usually command a lower selling price. How can you determine if a kokeshi is a "craftsman" or "souvenir" style doll? This is actually quite easy as craftsmen-style dolls are normally signed (on the bottom) by the maker, and may have no other writing on the body of the doll besides decorative calligraphy. Souvenir types on the other hand are normally unsigned and may have the name of the place which sold them conspicuously visible on the body of the doll. Collectors of Kokeshi typically place special emphasis on the facial quality of the dolls, desiring certain types - gentle or mischievous for example - over others. One interesting Japanese Kokeshi collector we previously met expressed a preference for newer dolls over older ones, fearing the older dolls may be haunted.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Japan
• Japanese
• Nippon
• Nihon
• Kokeshi
• Ningyo
• Doll
• Naruko
• Tokaido
• Softypapa

[hlhover]

Awesome crisp and clear pictures. Loved all the information that you shared too! Heather

[joshryker]

I know this is an older video clip, but I really enjoyed learning about a single facet of Japanese culture and handicraft history. It's a wonderful little tidbit to experience. I appreciate the tremendous time and research you invested into this simple eight minute clip.

[BunchofMovieVideos]

These are lovely, thank you very much! I have only three modern ones but I love them alreday. :)

[patsybob]

thanks for the clip!

[Claycat4]

Fascinating!  Thanks! Mary

[teceyS3]

Awesome video! I learned things I did not know about Japanese dolls. Beautiful dolls.....

[softypapa]

Hello kunaiXfighter, Your collection sounds very nice. Thank you for viewing and commenting. Good luck with your further collecting! -Kurt :-)

[cheetaz49]

i have one, but it isn't real. i got it at TJ Maxx. LOL. It still looks like a real one though.

[kunaiXfighter]

i have over 30 of these in my house. alot of them were presents but i bought alot too. I think they are so cute ^^ xxx

[CPumm]

Thanks a lot for this really enjoying, interesting tutorial! Was great and fun!! Thanks! ^-^