Kokeshi Doll Range

Kokeshi was first produced by Kiji-shi (wood artisans) in Shinchi in the Tohoku Region of Northern Japan, where is very famous for its hot spring spa resorts. From the Edo period (1600-1868), Kokeshi making techniques started spreading to other spa areas in North-eastern Japan. Originally, these dolls were made as toys and souvenirs to be sold to people who were visiting the hot springs.
Today, there are two types of Kokeshi dolls are being produced: Traditional Kokeshi (Dento) Dolls shapes and patterns became particular to a certain area and are classified under eleven types including: Tsuchiyu, Togatta, Yajiro, Naruko, Sakunami, Yamagata, Kijiyama, Nanbu, Tsugaru, Zao-takayu, and Hijioro. They are very simple in their design with round heads and cylindrical limbless bodies. Traditional Kokeshi dolls are only produced in Tohoku region

Yumenosato , Dreaming of Home
Hanagumori , Bloom
Futyan , Gentle Breeze

Making a Kokeshi Doll

There are many types of woods are used for making Kokeshi dolls, normally, cherry tree for darker colour and mizuki tree for lighter colour, sometimes, maple tree and other trees are also used. The woods for Kokeshi dolls, both traditional and creative, have to be left outdoors to season for one to five years before it can be used. The process of making kokeshi dolls is not very complex, but needs lots of experience and patience, especially, for the painting work. First, the wood needs to be cut and shaped on a lathe, and polished; the head, hair and body normally are made separately, then are attached together later. The artist then finally paint the face, body and hair.


Nodoka-(Peace-and- Tranquility)-kokeshidolls	Odori (Dancing) -kokeshidolls	Osanpo-Gentle-Stroll- kokeshidolls	Sachinohana (Large) (Lucky Flower) -kokeshidolls

Japanese Wooden Kokeshi Doll

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 specialised 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.


Sachinohana (Small) (Lucky Flower)- kokeshidolls	Sakura (Cherry Blossom)-kokeshidolls	Semisigure-(Cicadas-in- Chorus)-kokeshidolls	Shuusai (Autumn)- kokeshidolls

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.