Wooden Dolls

Kokeshi dolls are traditionally simple in construction, made of wood, and shaped with a cylindrical body and round head. They originated as a child's toy in the Tohiku region of northern Japan.

Kokeshi are usually limbless and painted in bright floral designs, kimono, or in other traditional patters. Due to its adorable looks, zealous kokeshi collectors can now purchase the doll all over Japan. Traditional kokeshi can be classified into probably 10 categories based on manufacturing technique, shape, and decoration.

In addition, "contemporary" kokeshi are now making the scene, incorporating elements of modern art and sculpture. Kokeshi is now recognized as one of the traditional folk arts in Japan