What do Kokeshi Dolls symbolize?
Most interpretations are centred around children, with some believing that kokeshi represent the wish for a healthy child, and others that they bring children closer to the mountain spirits. Many people also agree that they were originally exchanged as tokens of friendship, with messages concealed within.
What makes a kokeshi doll valuable?
The wonderful feature of Japanese Kokeshi dolls is that there are so many unique shapes, sizes and designs, and as a result, they have become quite the collector’s item.
What is kokeshi Japan?
Kokeshi are wooden dolls that originate from the Tōhoku region of north-eastern Japan and which emerged as a folk craft from hot spring mountain villages at the end of the Edo period (1603-1868 CE).
Do Kokeshi Dolls bring good luck?
Good luck: Many people today believe that Kokeshi Dolls can bring good luck, and they are used as charms. Collector’s pieces: Due to their exhibition at markets, Kokeshi Dolls have become collector’s pieces and many European tourists have collected them, adding them as ornaments to their homes.
Are Kokeshi dolls still made?
The kokeshi craftsmen saw an opportunity to produce their wooden dolls as souvenirs. Kokeshi advanced from being a child’s toy to an ornament and the desirable collectors’ item they still are today.
How many kokeshi dolls are there?
Types of Kokeshi There are 12 official styles of kokeshi: Hijiori, Kijiyama, Nakanosawa, Nanbu, Naruko, Sakunami, Togatta, Tsuchiyu, Tsugaru, Yajiro, Yamagata, and Zao. Each of these traditional styles is named after a place and has its own distinct shape, color, and motifs.
How do you clean a Japanese geisha doll?
Cleaning a Geisha Doll Remove the dust from her face and hands with a soft, clean cosmetic brush, such as a powder brush. Use the art gum eraser and gently rub, in a back-and-forth motion, her hands. Use caution if you decide to “clean” her face. The paint is applied onto fabric and can easily flake or rub off.