Instructions On How To Purchase Shingata Kokeshi Dolls

Kokeshi Dolls

I have chosen to carve the Shingata (Creative) style of Kokeshi Dolls. As far as I know I am the only wood sculptor/carver in the United States, hand carving Shingata Kokeshi Dolls. I will eventually have all the dolls cataloged and number for sale. Photos will soon be posted of each doll as there are no two dolls alike.

Kokeshi is a limbless wooden doll. There are many different styles, but there is one philosophy that all dolls share, that is pursuit of beauty and perfection through simplicity.

Kokeshi dolls trace their beginning to the northeast regions of Japan, to the forest and agricultural regions of Tohoku on the fringes of Honshu Island. Although the official "birthday" of the dolls is considered to have occurred somewhere during the middle of the Edo period (1603-1897), specialists consider the dolls to be more than a thousand years old. In spite of their basic shape, Kokeshi dolls come in many different forms with greatly varying proportions. Experts can determine the prefecture in which they were made just by studying the painting style and body characteristics. Japan has had traditional artistic centers since olden times, with some of these places (Kyoto, Nara, Kagoshima, and etc) preserving these traditions into present day.

There is no easy explanation of how this type of toy was first created. Another theory states that they were a type of memorial doll. The word "Kokeshi" itself means “forgotten child”. A beautiful version of the story, spread by passionate sources, tells of a shogun in the 17th century who had suffered sterility. Miraculously his wife somehow gave birth to a daughter, leading local masters to immortalize the event with a doll.

In contemporary Japan the dolls' popularity is quite great, as they have become a symbol of the viability and attractiveness of traditional national culture, objects of aesthetic contemplation and great cultural value from the distant past. Kokeshi dolls are still made today by Kokeshi Artists called Kiji-Shi, (which means woodworker in Japanese) who have been making these handcrafted dolls for generations.

Kokeshi (Japanese Wooden Doll)

This is a doll made of wood and is one of the most famous Japanese dolls and toys. There are two types: the 'Traditional Kokeshi' and the 'Creative Kokeshi'.

The 'Traditional Kokeshi' (Dento) is born from the technology of the potter's wheel, and its keynote is tradition. They have long cylinder shaped bodies with round heads. 'Traditional Kokeshi' are said to have the Naruko style or the Tsuchiyu style etc. according to the region they are made in Japan. They each have peculiar forms and patterns, and the production technique has been handed down from teacher to pupil, from the past to the present day.

In contrast, the 'Creative Kokeshi' (Shingata) has creation as its keynote. On the other hand, the 'Creative Kokeshi' is formed from the free conception of the maker individually and is produced using an original technique. It is a craftwork that develops swimming with the current of the times, like a messenger of peace. The creation activity is the result of the study effort of many designers. Particular care is given to ensuring the peculiar beauty of the 'Creative Kokeshi' by careful use of the artistic techniques of carving. Articles by famous writers have led to the product being evaluated as a unique type of art craft. The warmth of wood can be indescribable, and if you see the lovely appearance of Kokeshi, your mind will be calmed and you will feel drawn to the Kokeshi.

There are many ardent collectors of Kokeshi since its charm appeals and spreads like magic, and the Kokeshi is likely to be cherished for many years. Just seeing the Kokeshi will almost certainly have a healing effect on you.