Kokeshi dolls doll was first made in the Tohiku region of northern provinces of Japan about 150 years ago and it was orginally made as a toy for children of country farmers. These Japanese Kokeshi dolls were traditionally simple in its round wooden form with cylindrical body and round head. Kokeshi dolls are usually painted in bright floral kimono designs, or in other simple traditional patterns. From a simple toy for children, Kokeshi doll is now recognized as one of the tradtional folk arts in Japan.
- Hanagasa , Flower Dance
- Kosode , Happy Kimono Girl
- Taisyun , Dreaming of Spring
The tradition of dolls in Japan goes back to the ancient past, when the young girls played with dolls and dollhouses. Women of Japan used to make dolls to protect their children or grandchildren and dolls were also used in religious ceremonies. The historians consider the temple sculptors as the first professional doll makers, who used to make painted wooden images of children. During the Edo era that lasted from 1603 to 1867, doll became popular with the rich people and they bought costly sets of dolls for the embellishment of their house. The trade of selling flourished during this period and government imposed strict laws on this trade
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