Little is known of the early history of Kokeshi Japanese Wooden Dolls. One school of conception believes that Kokeshi dolls have their origins in the convention of spiritualist religion. Wooden dolls were conception to consist of 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, preponderant for it's hot springs and rejuvenating spa waters, Kokeshi Dolls acted as an foremost source of extra revenue for local artisans known as Kijiya (which means woodworker in Japanese), who specialised in wood work and the output of household utensils such as trays and wooden bowls. In severe winters these Kijiya craftsmen began manufacture "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.
Japanese School Girls
The Kokeshi dolls were very easy in design, originally made on hand-powered lathes. Primary 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 captivating floral designs, kimonos, and other Primary patterns. Colors used were red, yellow and purple. As all the dolls are hand painted, no two faces are alike. This is perhaps the most charm of the Kokeshi. Some dolls are whimsical, happy and smiling, while others are serious.
Soon their popularity spread throughout Japan and they became favoured as wooden toys for those unable to afford porcelain dolls. In increasing the easy rounded shapes of the dolls lent themselves as early teething rings for young babies.
Kokeshi dolls traditionally represented young girls and they quickly became favorite for their depiction of feminine beauty. In increasing their easy 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 increasing Kokeshi Japanese Wooden Dolls were favorite with the children of farmers as it was widely conception that they would promise a good harvest, as it was believed that it would originate a determined impression on the gods if children played with the dolls.
The woods used for Kokeshi vary. Cherry is noteworthy 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 Primary folk arts of Japan.
Despite their common features two schools of develop exist, Primary 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 develop here all exhibit distinctive features that allow experts to tell exactly where they have been produced and often by whom.
Creative Kokeshi do not corollary the Primary designs originating from the Tohoku region and instead have an unstructured inspiration which is thoroughly free in terms of shape and painting, the only Primary constraint being their develop by means of the lathe. Unlike Primary kokeshi, they do not display any of their distinctive local colour nor the techniques that had been passed down through the generations. They naturally recite the creative conception and capability of the craftsman.
Traditional and Creative crafted dolls have come to be a cause for celebration in Tohoku and across Japan. Every year, in early September, citizen fetch in Naruko Onsen where craftsmen from across the nation fetch to honor Kokeshi in a competition where the number one prize is an award from the Prime Minister.
There are many distinct styles of Kokeshi, but there is one doctrine that all Kokeshi dolls share, and that is the race of beauty and artistry through simplicity. This doctrine is extolled at the website: http://www.dollsofjapan.co.uk
History of Kokeshi Wooden Dolls from Japan
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