Japanese Kokeshi doll Choucho san

What is Kokeshi

Kokeshi is a Japanese wooden doll, hand-made from wood with no arms or legs.

There are two types of Kokeshi; ‘伝統こけし Traditional Kokeshi’ and ‘創作こけし Creative Kokeshi’.

“伝統こけし Traditional Kokeshi” is a folk art specially produced in the Tohoku region that occurred in the latter half of the Edo period, using the same techniques handed over from masters to pupils.

“創作こけし Creative Kokeshi” is modeled by the author’s individual free ideas and is produced using original techniques.  The trend was riding since 1947 after World War II.

Since 1954, the Prime Minister’s Award has been awarded to the best work of ‘the creative Kokeshi doll’ contest.  Since then, creative activities have become more active and the work of famous artists have been evaluated as unique arts and crafts.

About this Kokeshi

This 近代創作こけし modern creative Kokeshi doll is called ‘ちょうちょさん Choucho san‘ and it was created by an award-winning artist ‘いづみ Izumi‘.

The doll is wearing a kimono with gorgeous butterflies (choucho).  Bright red butterflies are drawn on the head decoration and obi.

Since each piece is carefully made by hand, her piece is a rare work with a small number of productions.
The artist was studying Japanese painting and she also uses Japanese painting to colour kokeshi dolls.
Therefore, the lines drawn on the kokeshi dolls are sophisticated and beautiful, and the colors are similar to those of Japanese paintings.

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Furoshiki are Japanese traditional wrapping cloths.  It is an eco-friendly gift wrapping; the receiver can re-use it as a place mat and wall decoration, wrapping bento/lunch box, a tissue box and a book!

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