WHAT ARE KOKESHI?

Kokeshi (こけし) are wooden dolls originally from Northern Japan. They are considered a traditional folk art and are created using techniques and styles that have been handed down over the generations. Kokeshi are recognized for their simple, minimalist designs and were initially made as a child's toy. They have since become recognized as a souvenir for the hot springs as well as a decoration for the home. Kokeshi are skillfully carved on a lathe and then delicately hand painted. Since we live in a time of mass production, many appreciate kokeshi specifically because they are crafted by an artisan. Being made by hand, they are imperfect and no two are exactly the same. This only adds to their charm. These dolls also seem to have a calming effect with their often peaceful, unassuming, and almost wise facial expressions.

Kokeshi fall into two different categories: Traditional, known as Dento Kokeshi (伝統こけし) and Creative/Modern, known as Sosaku Kokeshi (創作こけし). It is important to first explore the origins of the traditional type since they represent the original kokeshi.

TRADITIONAL KOKESHI

 
The first kokeshi were made in the latter half of the Edo period (1603-1868) by wood craftsmen in Tohoku who produced items such as wooden trays, bowls, and other tableware. Kokeshi have humble beginnings since they were initially created from the leftover scraps of wood. They were originally made as toys for children. This was before toys were easily accessible, so these simple dolls were an economical solution for entertaining them. Unpainted versions were also developed as pacifiers and teething devices for babies. 

Kokeshi have a historical connection with the hot springs or onsen in the Tohoku region. The onsen are recognized as a place of healing, relaxation, and rejuvenation. To the local residents and farmers of Tohoku, the mineral-rich waters offered a welcome respite during the harsh winter months. After their stay, some would bring back kokeshi for their children to play with. In the twentieth century, growth of rail travel as well as the eventual introduction of the Shinkansen bullet train made the onsen of this region a desirable tourist destination. This brought visitors from all over Japan as well as foreigners to Tohoku. They seemed to take a liking to these unique dolls that they found in the area. As a result, the kokeshi became a popular souvenir and memento of one's travels to the onsen. People began to collect and display them. At one point, they were nearly ubiquitous in homes across Japan. Kokeshi have essentially become an unofficial mascot of Tohoku and are now seen as a prominent symbol of Japanese folk art.

KOKESHI LORE

There is a lot of speculation surrounding the original meaning and spiritual significance of kokeshi, though much of it cannot be confirmed since the initial history behind them is not clear or well-documented. Many of these theories are connected to children. It has been thought that kokeshi were meant to be the guardians of children to look after them as they grew up. They have been known to represent the wish for a healthy child or even serve as an item in remembrance of one. It has also been believed that they protected homes from fire since they were often made with wood from the mizuki tree, which translates into "water tree". There is even a far-fetched hypothesis circulating that their shape could have been used as spa massage tools at the hot springs. The one fact that can be confirmed is that the original kokeshi were indeed played with by children.

CHARACTERISTICS

 
At first glance, traditional kokeshi may seem similar compared to one another. However, on closer inspection, you can begin to appreciate all of the subtle nuances and distinctions that make up the different styles.

There are eleven different types of traditional kokeshi that are recognized:

Hijiori (肘折)
Kijiyama (木地山)
Nanbu / Nambu (南部)
Naruko / Narugo (鳴子)
Sakunami (作並)
Tsuchiyu (土湯)
Tsugaru (津軽)
Tōgatta (遠刈田)
Yajirō (弥次郎)
Yamagata (山形)
Zaō (蔵王)

Each of the eleven types have their own shapes, facial features, color choices, and designs. This is specific to where they are from in the region as well as the artisans' styles passed down through the generations. There are also differing sub-strains within these, so it can sometimes be challenging to identify kokeshi if not familiar with these characteristics.

The face of a kokeshi is what gives it the most personality. It is amazing what a few simple strokes of paint can convey. I personally feel that the facial expressions of the traditional kokeshi can depict the various emotions of a child quite well. There are kokeshi that appear playful, shy, curious, embarrassed, peaceful, cheerful, sleepy, mischievous, bored, contemplative, and even unimpressed. Perhaps that is part of the appeal to kokeshi; their expressions aren't completely obvious, therefore leaving it up to the viewer to decide how they want to interpret them. While there are characteristics common within each type, often an artisan's work can be recognized from the facial features alone.

 
There are also an assortment of hair decorations that are particular to each type. Many traditional kokeshi have their heads adorned with elaborate hair ribbons or ornaments. These are called mizuhikite (水引手), tegara (手絡), and kase (かせ). Sometimes the top of the heads have just plain black hair in an okappa (御河童) hairstyle. Others have something resembling a bullseye pattern on top called janome (蛇の目). The Yajiro type typically dons a little hat in the form of a colorful beret or pointed hat. Some also have their hair up in a momoware (桃割れ) top knot. The various hair styles and ornaments help to distinguish the different types from one another.

One of the most noticeable features of a kokeshi is their limbless form. They are envisioned to be wearing kimono, where the appendages are visually covered beneath fabric. Therefore, the arms and legs are hidden in the design and are just implied. The kokeshi's shape was also initially developed to be easily held by children with their small hands.

Most traditional kokeshi have a limited color palette mainly consisting of red, black, and green. Occasionally, other colors are used, such as yellow or purple. The Nanbu style of kokeshi are often unpainted, simply displaying the beautiful wood that is polished to a smooth texture. This is because this type was originally created as a pacifier and teething item for babies. Some even having a loose head to be shaken like a rattle to entertain the little ones called kina-kina (キナキナ).

The chrysanthemum or kiku (菊) is the most prevalent flower seen in traditional kokeshi designs. It is often interpreted from different angles and by stacking them. Other flowers are also used on kokeshi, such as plum blossoms, camellias, cherry blossoms, peonies, iris, and others. Sometimes the flowers are more stylized or even an abstract representation. While flowers are common, many kokeshi feature horizontal colored lines that are painted while still on the lathe. The Tsuchiyu kokeshi have a technique unique to them where they reverse the lathe while painting these lines to create zigzag patterns. Other kokeshi display expressive lines that indicate the draping of cloth. There are also interesting pattern designs such as mokume (木目), which emulates the look of wood grain.

CREATION PROCESS

Types of wood that are commonly used for making kokeshi are dogwood (mizuki), maple, and cherry. Many prefer using lighter shades of wood, which start off as almost white in color. However, the wood ends up aging beautifully over time and turns into richer caramel tones. For the first step in kokeshi creation, wood is cut during the months when there is little moisture in the tree. After stripping the bark, it is dried for anywhere between half a year to five years before being cut into smaller pieces for kokeshi. The wood is then ready to be sculpted into the form of a kokeshi on the lathe. Initially, lathes were operated by two people or by using a foot pedal, but now electric ones are primarily used. Once the wood has been carved, it is smoothed down using natural rushes and sometimes sandpaper to prepare the surface for painting. Next, perpendicular lines are often painted first while the kokeshi is still turning on the lathe. The body and head details are typically added afterwards while holding the kokeshi in one's hands. 

Paint is applied with a fude (筆) brush with each line done in a single, expressive stroke. There is no going back or re-dos once the paint has been added, so the artisans must apply a delicate but confident approach when painting the features and details of a kokeshi. Both the face and the flowers appear deceptively simple and truly require a very skilled and steady hand to accomplish. Once finished, the completed kokeshi can then be signed by its maker. In the final steps, a wax is often used to give it a protective sheen.

It is mesmerizing to watch these dolls come to life on the lathe and be given personality through carefully applied paint strokes. This video beautifully captures the magic behind the creation of a kokeshi doll and is definitely worth a look.

Some kokeshi are made from a single piece of wood, such as the Kijiyama and Tsugaru types. However, most kokeshi have a separate head that is attached to the body with a joint. The Naruko kokeshi have a unique feature where they squeak when you turn their heads to mimic the sound of a child. This is accomplished when the head joint is squeezed into the top of the body through heat friction while spinning on the lathe. As the wood cools, it contracts and becomes snugly fitted together. The two separate parts are now close enough in contact, resulting in the squeaking sound when moved.

The artisans are a part of nearly every step of the process when producing kokeshi dolls. Many even learn the skills of a blacksmith in order to make their own specialized tools for kokeshi. It takes years to master the creation of a traditional kokeshi, from learning the lathe to developing high quality brush skills. The production is still learned through a master and apprentice system. Techniques have often been passed down to family members (mostly from father to son), but some take on outside apprentices. Often, a family's style or particular design elements are maintained from generation to generation, so family lineage is valued in the kokeshi community as a way to protect tradition.

EJIKO KOKESHI

Aside from the traditional cylindrical shapes, some artisans produce what is known as an ejiko (えじこ) kokeshi in their style. Ejiko are supposed to represent a baby in a basket, which is what babies and young children used to be placed in to remain safe while the adults were working in the fields. To protect and keep them comfortable, the inside was lined with fabric or the baby was wrapped in quilts. The child could either view their surroundings from the top of the basket or take a nap in it if they wished.

Kokeshi shaped like ejiko that are little wooden boxes are called obunko. The top comes off to reveal a little compartment inside. The Naruko style of kokeshi also have a slightly taller, pear-shaped version that looks similar to an ejiko. This is called nemariko (ねまりこ) and symbolizes the form of a seated child in kimono.

TRADITIONAL KOKESHI TODAY

Dedicated artisans are still making traditional kokeshi today. The same styles derived from the eleven types have been passed down through the generations. Being that kokeshi are such an important symbol representing the traditional folk art of Japan, it is important to preserve and maintain this tradition. Furthermore, there is a sense of pride in representing one's region or hometown through their craft. For these artisans, this is also how they make a living and support their families. In an effort to attract more customers and incorporate their own touches, some of them have created traditional styled kokeshi with slightly altered or modern features. For example, they may give them special hats, make them wink, or even use new colors. However, they must still retain elements of the classic design and not deviate too much in order to be recognized as that particular style of kokeshi and to protect tradition.

A fantastic modern example of pushing the boundaries in traditional kokeshi design is when artisan Yasuhiro Satou (佐藤康広) was commissioned by fashion retailer BEAMS to make stunning blue colored kokeshi using natural indigo dye. The shape, face, and tegara head pattern make them distinguishable as still being Togatta kokeshi, despite the blue color and modern body motif. This was considered a bold move in the traditional kokeshi community. However, since Japan has a long history with indigo dying, known as aizome (藍染め), I personally find it to be a delightful and complimentary pairing. It seems I am not alone in this opinion as these indigo kokeshi have been in demand.

Even though we have seen a resurgence in the popularity of traditional kokeshi in recent years, there are fewer and fewer who choose to go down this path for a career. It can be hard work and takes someone devoted to the craft as well as the rigorous training to become a master. Fortunately, there is enough enthusiasm surrounding kokeshi that it will surely find a way to live on. The best way to support these artisans is by visiting the Tohoku region and purchasing their goods in person. This area has come a long way since the 2011 earthquake and tsunami disaster and offers beautiful scenery as well as the healing onsen waters to enjoy. There is even an annual festival every September that is dedicated to celebrating kokeshi!

CREATIVE KOKESHI

Creative or sosaku kokeshi encompass a wide variety of styles and designs. The sosaku kokeshi makers are not bound to the traditional methods and are able to exercise their own creative liberties. They can interpret their kokeshi designs as individual artists. This unrestrained approach leaves it up to the maker's imagination of how they ultimately want their kokeshi to look. Also, as opposed to the traditional kokeshi only being made in rural Tohoku, the creative kokeshi are made in regions all over Japan and especially near cities. They have only been around since the mid-1940s and became popular after World War II. Being that they are relatively recent, they often have more contemporary and modern designs.

There are some creative kokeshi that are almost like sculptures and are coveted by avid collectors. These were either made completely unique of each other or only a small number of the design were recreated by the artist. Some traditional kokeshi artisans actually switched over to making creative kokeshi because they desired the artistic flexibility and creative freedom that comes with making the sosaku type. For others who did not have a background in making traditional kokeshi, this gave them the opportunity to try making something new in their own creative vision without requiring the years of apprenticeship necessary with the traditional type.

Souvenir or omiyage (お土産) creative kokeshi are often included in the sosaku category. These were made by hand to be sold as little souvenirs at hot springs, temples, and other sightseeing locations across Japan. Their themes commonly represented that particular tourist attraction or even a type of food the area was known for. Sometimes, they depicted characters from old folk tales or had poems written on them. These kokeshi were often made with scraps and materials that were on hand rather than being made purely on a lathe. Extra props were frequently incorporated into the design, such as the little towel, tub, and basket seen in the ones pictured above. This type of creative souvenir kokeshi was very popular in the 1950s-1970s, but is practically no longer being made. They certainly have their own charm!

Unlike the traditional dolls, some creative kokeshi may not be made entirely by one person from start to finish. The prime example of this is the Gunma Prefecture Usaburo factory, founded by Usaburo Okamoto in 1955. These kokeshi are created by a team of people specializing in different aspects of making the dolls. Usaburo essentially turned his original style of creative kokeshi into a recognized brand. If you have ever encountered kokeshi before, these are likely the ones you have seen since the market has become saturated with them. They are popular because of their cute and modern designs.

MEMORABILIA

OWNING KOKESHI

Why collect Kokeshi:

Why do we even put art-related objects in our homes? Any painting, sculpture, pottery, or craft chosen to be displayed likely evokes some sort of emotion within you. Perhaps it reminds you of a positive memory or it makes you pause and appreciate something that is handmade? Maybe the colors or materials speak to you? Regardless of the reasons, your home can serve as a reflection of your personal aesthetics. You should only fill it with things that elicit joy or that you find pleasing to the senses. For me, kokeshi are a visual reminder to be playful like a child again.

Where to find Kokeshi:

The best place to find new kokeshi is in Japan, specifically the Tohoku region for the traditional type. However, vintage ones can show up at flea markets all over Japan. If you live overseas, you can find them being sold online at websites that offer second-hand items. I have occasionally found kokeshi in antique shops, vintage stores, and flea markets here in America.

Vintage vs. New:

There are many beautiful qualities that come with vintage items. The wear and signs of aging often add character to a kokeshi. Wood typically develops a lovely patina over time as it gets warmer and darker in coloring. It is also interesting to imagine the history behind that particular kokeshi; Who made it, who previously owned it, where has it traveled and what has it seen? In essence, you are giving a piece of art a second life and another opportunity to be appreciated. Owning vintage kokeshi is also a way of honoring and respecting the artisans who are no longer with us.

The new kokeshi have their own appeal. They are fresh and created from someone of our current time. The wood is pure and often light in color. The paint is distinct and clear instead of faded. It is perhaps easier to relate to these artisans and imagine what they must go through to produce their craft in this day and age. Most importantly, you can have a direct impact on a person who currently makes kokeshi for a living. If you go to Japan, you may even have the opportunity to meet them in person and see them work at their craft. 

So, which is better? It is honestly a matter of preference. I find them equally appealing in their own right.

Kokeshi Care:

Should you choose to own kokeshi, please keep them out of direct sunlight as the paint will fade, with the blues and purples disappearing first. Try to store or display them in a temperature controlled environment. Too much moisture can cause mold or spotting and too little can cause cracking of the wood. Gently remove dust with a soft and dry cloth. Kokeshi are often made with water based inks (especially the traditional type), so they are subject to smearing and damage if any liquid is applied.

Further Kokeshi Resources:

I have put together a page with extra resources here if you are interested in learning more about kokeshi.

Thank you for having a look around! I hope that you learned a little bit about this beloved traditional folk art of Japan. Please feel free to email me with any questions or if you would like help identifying a kokeshi type or its maker. I enjoy connecting with other kokeshi enthusiasts or whoever is just curious about them!

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