Little is known of the early history of Kokeshi Japanese Wooden Dolls.  One legendbelieves that Kokeshi dolls have their origins in the practice of spiritualist religion. The legend infers that the wooden dolls were often made in honorary remembrance of a female child who died at birth.

The Kokeshi doll  had a cylindrical body with a flat round face, painted by hand. In ancient society, dolls had ritual meaning and were thought to have soul.

Modern history of Japanese Kokeshi dolls began in the latter part of the Edo Period [江戸時代] (1603-1868). Originating in the Tohiku region of northern Japan, famous for it's hot springs and spas, Kokeshi Dolls were made by Kijiya (woodworker in Japanese), to sell as souvenirs to visitors who came the local hot springs.

Kokeshi dolls are very simple in design, made on hand-powered lathes. Traditional Kokeshi dolls had common characteristics that consisted of a basic cylindrical limbless body and a round head. 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 more serious.

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.

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.

Traditional kokeshi

Traditional kokeshi, produced only in the six prefectures of Tohoku, are very simple in their design with round heads and limbless bodies. The floral and linear patterns painted on their kimonos have been developed and passed down through generations of kokeshi makers and are unique to the area where they are made.

The kokeshi shown  here come from Naruko.

Creative kokeshi

Creative kokeshi are a relatively new art form since the 2nd World War. They retain the limbless kokeshi characteristic, however, they are more contemporary in their design with perhaps a more shapely body, added features such as hair, as well as painted kimono designs. Creative kokeshi are 'created have features and styles unique to their own particular artist or creator. The majority of creative kokeshi are made in Gunma prefecture. The creative kokeshi, shown in the picture here, are a small selection.   See Sher's Ebay page for currently available kokeshi.