The Kokeshi, artisanal treasures of Japan

The Kokeshi (, , ) are iconic wooden dolls from Japan, born in the Tōhoku region during the Edo era (1603-1868). Made out of meticulous craftsmanship and handed down from generation to generation, they embody a unique part of Japanese culture. Today, they fascinate both their history and their sober and refined aesthetics.

Kokeshi Origins and History

The exact origin of the Kokeshi remains uncertain. Some believe that they are an evolution of the Oboko, a wooden rattle, while others attribute to them a prophylactic or religious role. A common hypothesis suggests that Kokeshi were souvenirs made for visitors to onsen (hot sources) in northern Japan.

The first Kokeshi were carved by wood craftsmen calledKijiya( Their style has evolved over generations, with each family of artisans developing their own characteristics, giving rise to a wide variety of shapes and backgrounds.

Characteristics of the Kokeshi

The traditional Kokeshi are composed of a cylindrical body and a rounded head, without arms or legs. They are carved from cherry, maple or cornwood wood, then hand painted with floral motifs and stylized faces.

The main traditional Kokeshi styles (dentō kokeshi) are ten and are divided into different prefectures in Tōhoku. Each style has its own artistic and regional characteristics.

Kokeshi by prefecture

Miyagi Prefecture

• Naruko: The Kokeshi of Naruko are among the most famous in Japan. They are distinguished by their rotating head which emits a slight grin when it rotates.
• Tōgatta: Produced in Shinchi, these Kokeshi have cherry flower motifs and a slender silhouette.
• YajirōFrom the mountains of Mount Zaō, they are recognizable for their bright colours and geometric patterns.
• Sakunami: More recent, they display a more refined and urban aesthetic, influenced by their proximity to Sendai.

Yamagata Prefecture

• Hijiori: These Kokeshi are the result of a fusion between the Naruko and Tōgatta styles.
• Zaō: Originally from the city of Zaō, these dolls are often sold as souvenirs to visitors to the spas of the region.

Prefecture of Akita

• Kijiyama: Produced in Yuzawa, these Kokeshi are carved in a single piece of wood and distinguished by their thin vertical lines.

Prefecture of Iwate

• Nambu: Infrequent, they come from the city of Morioka and display a minimalist style.

Fukushima Prefecture

• Tsuchiyu: These dolls are easily recognizable thanks to their arched eyebrows and detailed floral patterns.

Prefecture of Aomori

• Tsugaru: Originally from Kuroishi, these Kokeshi are preserved and exhibited in a dedicated museum.

Modern Kokeshi

After World War II, a new Kokeshi style emerged:shingata kokeshi( These modern, more expressive and colourful versions have moved away from traditional patterns to adopt more contemporary designs. They have become popular internationally, especially as decorative objects.

Today, the Kokeshi tradition remains alive. Festivals and competitions are held each year, such as the Kokeshi festival in Naruko-onsen in September and the Kokeshi national competition in Shiroishi in May.

While traditional Kokeshi perpetuate the legacy of Tōhoku artisans, modern versions continue to appeal to a global audience. These dolls, both simple and refined, remain a fascinating window on craftsmanship and Japanese culture.

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