13 August 2013

Japanese Culture: こけし(kokeshi)Dolls



Kokeshi (こけし ko-key-she), are Japanese dolls, originally from northern Japan. They are handmade from wood, have a simple trunk and an enlarged head with a few thin, painted lines to define the face. The wood is left outdoors to season for one to five years before it can be used. One characteristic of kokeshi dolls is their lack of arms or legs. The heads rotate and give a high-pitched squeak. 






Traditional: The body has a floral design painted in red, black, and sometimes yellow, and covered with a layer of wax. Traditional kokeshi dolls' shapes and patterns are particular 
to a certain area. 

Modern:  The craftsman is free 
to create the colors, facial features, and designs.
(http://msnyder.typepad.com/the_labyrinth/images/2008/05/30/kokeshi2.jpg)


They are a popular souvenir.
(
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kokeshi_exhibit_at_Seattle_Nihon_Go_Gakko_02.jpg


Information from Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kokeshi)