What is Kokeshi?
Japan is renowned for its love of all things cute. After World War II, when adorably adorable figures graced a wide variety of objects, the nation’s kawaii tradition is thought to have started. Nevertheless, Japan has always been a fan of endearing characters dating back to the mid-1800s. Beautiful wooden dolls known as kokeshi were first created by artisans at the end of the Edo period, and they are now renowned symbols of Japanese traditional arts.
Describe Kokeshi.
A handcrafted hardwood doll named Kokeshi. Northeast Japan’s Thoku area is where the art of kokeshi first appeared in thermal springs mountainous settlements. The earliest examples of kokeshi were created by artisans as children’s toys at the tail end of the Edo era (1603-1868 CE). The dolls, which originally had lengthy, half – human bodies and enormous faces, eventually developed sculpted facial movements and vibrant gowns.
Aomori, Akita, Iwate, Miyagi, Yamagata, and Fukushima are the 6 regions in the Thoku area that have a history of producing kokeshi. Every one of the 12 types may be clearly distinguished because each town has an own method for creating and embellishing them.
As the Meiji period began in the 1860s, travellers started heading to the highlands to take use of the thermal springs. The kokeshi artisans recognised a chance to create handmade woodwork dolls as gifts. From being a toy for kids, kokeshi evolved into an adornment and the prized collectible they remain to this day.
Kokeshi Dolls: How Are They Created?
Kokeshi-making expertise is usually passed down through the generations. Usually, the children of kokeshi experts take on the role of students and study their dad’s trade in their own houses or workplaces. Nevertheless, as more emphasis is placed on preserving this historic craft, ever more women are also studying how to produce kokeshi. Under the direction of a kokeshi teacher, this younger breed of artists learns what they require to understand.
Experienced kokeshi artisans complete each step of the creation by hand, including the preparation of the wood and repainting and polishing. Using primarily cherries or hawthorn wood, kokeshi dolls are hand-carved on a machine. All doll’s contours and contours are carved out by furniture makers using a range of chisel-like equipment. Since each of these specialised tools is handmade by the artist, it is made to fit their hands and be comfortable. A delicate cretin paintbrush is used to gently apply paint after the wooden foundation has been finished. The doll’s head and torso are traditionally drawn on with black, red, and green pen. The pattern is then sealed in with beeswax.
See the whole kokeshi doll Production Process.
Kokeshi varieties
Hijiori, Kijiyama, Nakanosawa, Nanbu, Naruko, Sakunami, Togatta, Tsuchiyu, Tsugaru, Yajiro, Yamagata, and Zao are the 12 approved kokeshi forms. These historical fashions each have a foreign word and a unique design, colour, and pattern.
The Naruko Onsen region of Miyagi Prefecture is home to one of the most well-known kokeshi types. In the mountains, some 50 skilled artisans produce naruko kokeshi. The manner they scream when you move their neck is their most distinguishing trait. Typically, the hair is colored in bundles and the head is colored with a solitary eyeball and little red lips. The tidy arms and gently concaved waist are adorned with a “Kasanegiku” design made by sketching several chrysanthemum blooms.
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The Hijiori Onsen in Yamagata, and there is only one expert kokeshi producer, produces one of the finest kokeshi types. Hijiori dolls have little red lips, a nose, and eyes with the double lids that appear cheerful. Potted flowers are also used to adorn their bodies, but occasionally the arrangement is in the form of a “shower.” The backdrop of the structure is commonly painted with the colour yellow, and occasionally maple trees will be added.
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The recognisable Nakanosawa kokeshi, distinguished by large full lips, pink blush, and flaring nose, was recognised as the 12th original style in Fukushima in 2018. Big open peony coloured on the body of Nakanosawa dolls, which some believe were initially influenced by a pattern used by the Geisha, are still one of its more distinguishing characteristics. The amusing moniker “Tako Bozo,” which corresponds to “an octo with a monk’s shorn face,” has also been bestowed to these toys.
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Ancient Kokeshi Locations in Japan
At the base of Mount Zao in Miyagi Prefecture, the Miyagi Zao Kokeshi Museum houses the greatest assortment of kokeshi in the globe. It houses 5,500 instances, many of which are extremely rare works by renowned kokeshi experts, given by individuals or gifts from their families.
Guests can marvel at the distinctive qualities of the dolls that are particular to every location and even discover how to manufacture one. Guests can visit and receive instructions from trainee kokeshi producers in the gallery’s workshop.
Additionally, a branch of kokeshi known as “artistic kokeshi” emerged following World War II. These non-traditional wooden dolls frequently have sculpted hairstyles, vivid colours, and Western-style attire. All around Japan, you may find these modern adaptations, which are frequently designed to commemorate an important event or stand in for a well-known figure.
Here are some of our favourite modern, imaginative kokeshi dolls available for purchase on the internet.
