 |
History of Kokeshi Wooden Dolls from Japan
Little is known of the early history of Kokeshi Japanese Wooden Dolls. One school of thought believes that Kokeshi dolls
have their origins in the practice of spiritualist religion. Wooden dolls were thought to contain the spiritual essence of the dead and were often made for honorary remembrance.
The modern history of Japanese Kokeshi dolls began in the latter part of the Edo Era (1603-1867). Originating in the Tohiku
region of northern Japan, famous for it's hot springs and rejuvenating spa waters, Kokeshi Dolls acted as an important
source of extra income for local artisans known as Kijiya (which means woodworker in Japanese), who specialized in wood work and
the production of household utensils such as trays and wooden bowls. In severe winters these Kijiya craftsmen 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 the bathers to tap their shoulders whilst enjoying the warming benefits of the hot springs.
The Kokeshi dolls were very simple in design, originally made on hand-powered lathes. Traditional Kokeshi dolls had common
characteristics that consisted of a basic cylindrical limbless body and a round head. Though the first dolls might have been
unpainted, today most Kokeshi are painted in bright floral designs, kimonos, and other traditional patterns. Colors used
were red, yellow and purple. As all the dolls are hand painted, no two faces are alike. 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 favored as wooden toys for those unable to afford porcelain
dolls. In addition the simple rounded shapes of the dolls lent themselves as early teething rings for young babies.
Kokeshi dolls traditionally represented young girls and they quickly became popular for their depiction of feminine beauty. In
addition their simple charm and association with childhood meant that they were often given as gifts when a child was born, as
birthday presents or as symbols of remembrance when a child died. In addition Kokeshi Japanese Wooden Dolls were popular with the
children of farmers as it was widely thought that they would promise a good harvest, as it was believed that it would create a
positive impression on the gods if children pLaid with the dolls.
The woods used for Kokeshi vary. Cherry is distinguished by its darkness. Mizuko or dogwood is softer and used extensively.
Itaya-kaede, a Japanese maple is also used. The wood is left outdoors to season 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 features two schools of design exist, Traditional Kokeshi and Creative Kokeshi.
Traditional Kokeshi are for the main part still only produced in the six prefectures of the Tohoku region. The twelve schools
of design here all exhibit distinctive features that allow experts to tell exactly where they have been produced and often by whom.
Creative Kokeshi do not follow the traditional designs originating from the Tohoku region and instead have an
unstructured inspiration which is completely free in terms of shape and painting, the only traditional constraint being their
manufacture by means of the lathe. Unlike traditional kokeshi, they do not display any of their distinctive local color nor the
techniques that had been passed down through the generations. They simply represent the creative thought and ability of the craftsman.
Traditional and Creative crafted dolls have become a cause for celebration in Tohoku and across Japan. Every year, in early
September, people gather in Naruko Onsen where craftsmen from across the nation gather to honor Kokeshi in a competition where
the number one prize is an award from the Prime Minister.
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 artistry through simplicity. This philosophy is extolled at the website: www.dollsofjapan.co.uk
Ivor Conway has traveled extensively throughout Japan and was charmed by the Japanese art form of Kokeshi. The website,
http://www.dollsofjapan.co.uk,
is a global resource intended to further knowledge of these simple but elegant works of art.
 MORE RESOURCES updated Fri. June / 09 / 2023
|
|
|
Related Hobbies - Crafts articles:
Why You Need A Display Case
Why You Need A Display Case. Some people are under the impression you need to own a retail shop to have a display
case. While commercial display cases (like commercial pet display cases) are popular, many people often have one in their home.
Collectible Action Figures - Is About Fun Memories And More Money
Superhero action figures first stormed the doors of department stores and toy stores nearly 35 years ago.
Constructed of various kinds of plastic and clothed in uniforms, costumes and capes G.
Creative Soap Crafts
Soap is a craft that is fun and easy to make. It's a great project to do with your kids.
Woodworking: The Best Wood For Beginners
Woodworking: Know Your Wood. Wood is made of cellulose fibers, held together with a property called lignin, and is
classified as hardwood or softwood, depending on the type of tree from which it comes. In addition, sapwood or new
growth wood on a tree is still alive, while heartwood refers to the part of the tree that is no longer functioning.
An Easy Way to Understand Your Collectibles
What kind of gifts you often receive? Is it toy dolls,
animal figurine, antique, pottery, game, memorabilia or
something you consider as a collectables? Well, what ever
it is, as long as it pleases you, those entire gifts are
full with memory which you then consider as a collectibles.
Gifts and collectibles are not contradicting each other;
instead they are supplementing each other.
Roasting Your Own Coffee - A Hobby You Can Love
There is nothing like a cup of coffee that has been freshly
roasted, ground and brewed to perfection. There are a
growing number of enthusiasts who are roasting their own
coffee beans and enjoying the benefits of truly fresh
coffee at about one-third of the price of beans from your
local coffee shop.
Genealogy in Switzerland - A Longenecker Family Search
I recently visited Langnau, Bern, Switzerland and spent two
days immersed in all things Langenegger. My wife and I
arrived at the Langnau rail station on June 25, 2004,
exhausted from a long flight from San Francisco.
4 Fun Ways to Display Photos
From baby pictures to vacation pictures, images of family
and friends are treasures that are kept for a lifetime.
They make great gifts and add cheer and warmth to the
interiors of our homes.
Sell Hobby Items by Mail
You can, if you are ambitious, start a Mail Order Business
selling collectables to hobbyists by mail. To begin, you
must first find a hobby that appeals to YOU.
Woodworking: Protection When Working With Wood - Ignoring Could Potentially Harm Your Health Or Kill
Woodworking: Basic Safety Tips. Woodworking can be a
dangerous undertaking if you are not careful and choose to
disregard safety guidelines. A circular saw, router, or
other piece of power equipment can disfigure and even kill
if not used properly.
Embroidery Designs Digitizing Software
Embroidery Magic 2 software program was created with multiple function lettering, editing and digitizing
features for embroidery designs and was designed for those who have home embroidery machines and software. We have
also have had customers purchase this embroidery software who have well established commercial embroidery businesses
but have found that it creates better lettering than any other program they have purchased, regardless of price!
However, in regard to the EM 2 price, it should be understood that you will not get the full features of a
high end digitizing program with a lot of "bells and whistles".
How to Invest in Antique, Vintage, or Modern Jewelry
As Antique Jewelry is 'Really' based on the 'Collectability' and Style of an item, it is hard for
clients to appreciate the 'Craft' involved in Handmade work, as they only see the Gold value or Diamond Value
fluctuate over the years. If Gold goes up or the older something gets, the value increases, right? No.
Scrapbooking Ideas for Kids
Many times at auctions, or estate sales, a box of books
will turn up a real treasure, like a scrapbook that was
kept by someone in their youth and sometimes through their
adulthood. The book could be 50 or 60 years old, and a
source of great fun to look at the pictures, news
clippings, and personal mementoes.
Turn An Arts And Crafts Hobby Into A Business
Are you searching for a quick way to make an extra
income? Why not turn that Cooking Interest, Comic Book
Collecting, or Your Retro Clothing Collection Into A Home
Based Business Venture! Most people enjoy hobbies they have
pursued with great enthusiasm for years. Even though they
may find their leisure activities fulfilling and enjoyable
they never imagined making money with a fun hobby! The world
is packed with amazingly talented people.
What Is An Un-circulated Coin?
You may have heard the terms proof coin and un-circulated coin, but what's the difference between these two? To
understand the difference between a proof and un-circulated coin, let's first answer the question, "What is an
un-circulated coin?" Un-circulated means a coin has not had any wear, such as the wear a coin might experience when it
is used in commerce. Handling a coin, as well as improperly storing a coin, can result in wear on the surface of the coin.
Sewing Embroidery Designs in New Ways
How many of you are always looking for new ways to use your
embroidery designs - always, or never? If never, you are
overlooking wonderful opportunities! Do you optimize the
use of every design? Do you routinely review your library
of designs to see if you can combine motifs from one set
with another? Have you noticed how embroidery design styles
have changed over the past few years? Give those old motifs
a new look by using the designs that you got way back when,
again! Add new motifs under, or around, them to create a
whole new look! My last big project, a wind jacket back, is
a good example of what anyone can do with a little time and
imagination! With fall already upon us, I wanted something
tropical in my wardrobe as it's still every where in
ready-to-wear & home decorating. The colors are just as
exciting as leaves turning colors.
Collectibles: Searching for those Hard-to-Find Diecast Models
For collectors of any kind, there are always those items that are much sought after, but nearly impossible to find.
If they're lucky enough to finally locate them, the price is often exorbitant or there are some other restrictions
which inhibit their ability to secure them. Find the
value of your Diecast collectables.
Hollywood Gets Crafty - Knitting And Crocheting Not Just For Grandma Anymore
Sometimes it's hard to imagine that the stars who shine so
brightly on cinematic screens are people just like the rest
of us. We often think that their lives are so much more
interesting and exciting than our own and that we have
little or nothing in common with the Hollywood crowd.
An Interesting Look at the Cuban Cigar
Even most non-cigar smokers have heard some of the lore surrounding the Cuban cigar. Long revered as the finest and
best tasting brands in the world, they have traditionally been extremely difficult to procure.
Sharing Journals
Creating a journal or diary that combines scrapbooking and
journaling, is a journal that you can share. Writing about
experiences and feelings, and including photos, ticket
stubs, magazine or newspaper clippings, fortune cookie
fortunes, drawings, and more, enhances and further explains
those experiences and feelings, becoming a treasured
keepsake for you and for your family and friends to share
for years to come.
|
|
