What are Kokeshi dolls? It wasn't something we ever thought to stock.
But when our suppliers of Japanese glass fishing floats offered us a tea chest of these highly collectible dolls, we had to dive deep and discover more about these intriguing wooden dolls...
The history of Japanese Kokeshi dolls began in the last part of the Edo Period (1603-1867).
Originating in the Tohiku region in northern Japan, renowned for its hot springs and invigorating hot spring waters.
Kokeshi Dolls became an important source of extra income for local craftsmen.
These clever artisans started making Kokeshi Dolls to sell as souvenirs to visitors to local hot springs.
They served not only as souvenirs, but also as a massager that bathers would use to gently tap their shoulders while enjoying the warming benefits of the hot springs.
Kokeshi dolls are very simple in design, as they were originally made on hand-operated lathes.
Traditional Kokeshi dolls had common features consisting of a basic cylindrical limbless body and a rounded head.
Although the first dolls were not painted, most Kokeshi today are painted with bright floral patterns, kimonos, and other traditional patterns.
For us the world of Kokeshi Dolls has been a lovely surprise!
We have met many passionate collectors of these icons of Japanese culture, and also heard different stories around the origin and history of these fascinating dolls.
View our range of Kokeshi Dolls here.
