Kokeshi: the Japanese handmade wooden dolls with a colorful history and controversial reputation

[Kazimiera]

Kokeshi: the Japanese handmade wooden dolls with a colorful history and controversial reputation

Source: http://www.thevintagenews.com/2017/0...al-reputation/

Kokeshi are Japanese dolls from the Tohoku region in Northern Japan. These handmade wooden dolls have a colorful history and controversial reputation.

They were traditionally made as guardians of children but later became popular amongst Japanophiles and collectors. Kokeshi are thought to date back to the early 19th-century and they were produced by kijishi, woodworkers at the Shinichi Shuraku, near the Togatta Onsen in Zao.


Traditional Kokeshi doll.


They are important spiritual dolls in Japan.

According to other sources, it is said that they were originally sold to visitors in the Tohoku region during the Edo Period (1600-1868). The origin of the name ‘kokeshi’ is unclear; some historians suggest that the name is a combination of names given to the dolls by their manufacturers.

The traditional kokeshi is painted in black, red, and yellow and covered with wax. They are simple in shape with round heads and cylindrical limbless bodies and are made by the model of Naruko style or Tsuchiyu style.


The traditional Kokeshi is with round head and cylindrical shape.


Creative Kokeshi.

Today, there are different designs of the kokeshi dolls with a more rounded shape that their traditional counterparts, with different facial expressions and richer colors. The result of these innovative techniques creates an attractive and beautiful doll. They are often sold as gifts to celebrate a special occasion.

These modern dolls are called creative kokeshi and have been developing as an art form since the Second World War. These dolls are not particular to one region of Japan. Most of the creative kokeshi can be found in the cities while traditional Kokeshi artists are located in more rural areas.


Most of the Kokeshi traditional dolls are made from the Mizuki tree.

The Kokeshi dolls are made from the cherry or Mizuki tree which is literally translated as the “water tree”. The wood is left outdoors to season for one to five years before it can be used. The seasoned wood than is cut into small pieces in the size of kokeshi doll and it is roughly shaved and rounded off. Each piece is then turned on a potter’s wheel and cut to shape with a plane.


The Kokeshi is believed to be a lucky charm doll.


There are 11 types of Kokeshi dolls.

The kokeshi is still believed to be a lucky charm doll so people keep kokeshi to protect their homes. There are 11 types of Kokeshi dolls and the most common is the Naruko doll made in the Miyagi Prefecture.

Read another story from us: Awashima Jinja in Wakayama is a shrine filled with traditional Japanese dolls

They are celebrated as one of Japan’s folk arts and can be found in antique fairs or flea markets. Made in many different styles these Japanese dolls became popular around the world.


The 11 types of Kokeshi dolls

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Kokeshi Dolls

Source: http://www.japanya.co.uk/Kokeshi.aspx

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



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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Kokeshi Styles, FIND YOUR FAVORITE!!]

Source: http://en.tetotetote-sendai.jp/kokeshi/styles.html



Of the eleven traditional styles of Kokeshi doll, five are made in Miyagi Prefecture: Togatta, Naruko, Yajiro, Sakunami, and Hijiori. Here we will introduce you to the unique characteristics of each style.

Togatta

Cool eyes and a cute smile



This style of Kokeshi was born in the Togatta hot springs area. Togatta Kokeshi have a simple silhouette with a straight body and large head. The eyes are painted with upper and lower eyelids, and the nose is painted in a wishbone shape. The body is often painted with chrysanthemum, plum blossom or cherry blossom motifs. Togatta Kokeshi wear a radial headdress with red petals extending from the forehead to the cheeks.

The artisan:

Yasuhiro Sato

When Yasuhiro Sato’s father, Masahiro Sato, was awarded a Yellow Ribbon Medal in 2010, Yasuhiro decided to quit his job as a salaryman and study under his father.


Naruko

Old-fashioned Japanese beauty



The Naruko style of Kokeshi developed at Naruko hot springs. One of the unique characteristics of these Kokeshi is that their heads squeak when turned. They have kind faces and flared shoulders and skirts. The stripes at the top and bottom of the body are painted on the lathe, and the body is often painted with a chrysanthemum motif. The bangs are painted like the dolls sent as gifts from the Imperial Palace. Naruko Kokeshi wear a red headdress.

The artisan:

Yasuo Okazaki

Yasuo Okazaki was born in 1954. After graduating from high school, he studied under his father and began creating Kokeshi with the guidance of his father’s senior pupil.


Yajiro

Colorful and fashionable



This style of Kokeshi developed in the village of Yajiro in Shiroishi. The top of the head is painted with colorful rings that look like a beret. The wide lines on the body are painted on the lathe, while the designs on the collar and skirt are painted freehand. The slender waist is also characteristic of this style. Perhaps because Yajiro Kokeshi come from the warmest of the Kokeshi-producing regions, they have a bright and open air.

The artisan:

Mayumi Niiyama

Mayumi Niiyama began studying under her husband after their marriage. In 2012, the couple traveled to Paris, where their demonstration of the making of Kokeshi at the Louvre Museum was extremely well-received.


Sakunami

Gentle and lovely



This style of Kokeshi developed at Sakunami hot springs. One of the unique characteristics of this style is the skinny body that is easy for children to grasp. The design on the body is called kanikiku (crab chrysanthemum), because the flowers resemble crabs. Originally the face was stern, but over time it has become gentler.

The artisan:

Teruyuki Hiraga

Teruyuki Hiraga started training under his father and grandfather upon graduating from junior high school. In addition to traditional Kokeshi, he also creates original Kokeshi dolls such as Ofuro Kokeshi that look like they are taking a bath, and Tsunenaga Hasekura Kokeshi made to look like the first Japanese ambassador in the Americas and Europe.


Hijiori

You will never forget its unique face!



This style of Kokeshi developed at Hijiori hot springs in YamagataPrefecture, and is a combination of the Togatta and Naruko styles. With colors reminiscent of an oil painting and strong individuality, Hijiori Kokeshi stand out among the eleven traditional styles of Kokeshi. You will never forget its vivid yellow chrysanthemum-patterned dress and black bob!

The artisan:

Shoichi Sato

Shoichi Sato was born in 1935. As a third-generation Hijiori craftsman who inherited the craft of his celebrated father and grandfather, he specializes in Kokeshi. In 2000 he was awarded a Yellow Ribbon Medal.