Kokeshi

Kokeshi  are traditional Japanese wooden dolls.Nussbaum, Louis-Frédéric. (2005). "Kokeshi" in Japan Encyclopedia, p. 548.

The dolls have a very simple shape: a head and a column-shaped body, with no arms or legs. The joint between the head and the body was made thin, so that a child could easily grasp it. Kokeshi are traditionally hand-painted. Their faces are made with a few simple lines, and their bodies are often decorated with colorful patterns.

History
The first kokeshi were made in the Tōhoku region of Japan during the Edo period (1600–1868) and sold as souvenirs to people visiting the region’s hot springs. They were made by artisans called kijishi, who created the dolls’ unique shape by woodturning.

During the Taishō period (1912–1926), kokeshi became less popular with children (due to more foreign toys now being available in Japan) and began to be appreciated more by adults as a type of folk art.

An all-Japan kokeshi contest is held every year in May. Since 1954, the annual Prime Minister's prize has been awarded to the best work of creative kokeshi makers. "About the creative kokeshi dolls" at usaburo.com ; retrieved 2012-12-4.

Types of kokeshi
There are more than 250 types of kokeshi.  Different types of kokeshi come from different areas in Japan, mostly within the Tōhoku region. Since the end of World War II, a modern style of kokeshi called “creative kokeshi” (創作こけし, sōsaku-kokeshi) have also become popular. These dolls can be designed, shaped, and painted in any way the artist likes.

 Traditional kokeshi types 
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, Iwate PrefectureMcDowell, Jennifer E.  "Kokeshi: Continued and Created Traditions (Motivations for a Japanese Folk Art Doll)," pp. 59-62 [PDF 75-78 of 317]; retrieved 2012-12-4.
, Miyagi PrefectureMcDowell,   pp. 47-49 [PDF 65-69 of 317]; retrieved 2012-12-4.
, Fukushima PrefectureMcDowell,   pp. 37-39 [PDF 53-55 of 317]; retrieved 2012-12-4.
, Aomori PrefectureMcDowell,   pp. 63, 126n43 [PDF 63, 142n43 of 317]; retrieved 2012-12-4.

Popularity of kokeshi

Kokeshi inspired the design of Nintendo’s Mii avatars. Miis are digital characters with a simple design that can be customized by players.

References

Other websites

 "32nd Michinoku Kokeshi Festival" at Destination Tohoku 
  "Kokeshi" at Japanya.co.uk

Category:Japanese culture
Category:Japanese art
Category:Dolls