Collectible Kokeshi Dolls

Kokeshi dolls

I am drawn to different art forms made by the Japanese such as lacquerware, woodcuts and kokeshi dolls. Their design aesthetic carries through in everything they do and the kokeshi doll is no exception. The kokeshi doll is a Japanese folk art form. Kokeshi dolls originated in the Tohoku region of Northern Japan in the early 1800's. It is thought that the dolls were first made by woodworkers, called kiiya, who sold the designs as souvenirs in the winter season to tourists who came to visit the well known hot springs resorts.   

Vintage Creative Kokeshi

Woods typically used for kokeshi are cherry, dogwood, Japanese Maple and Mizuki. The wood is left outdoors to season for one to five years before it can be used. The woodworker turns and cuts the dolls on a lathe and then polishes them to a very smooth finish. The head and body are usually turned separately; then attached together by a plug. Then the kokeshi doll is painted. There are two types of kokeshi dolls, traditional and creative.

Traditional Kokeshi

Traditional Kokeshi

Traditional Kokeshi

Traditional kokeshi, produced only in the six prefectures of Tohoku, are very simple in their design with round heads and cylinder like bodies sans limbs. The floral and linear patterns painted on the kimonos have been developed and passed down through generations of kokeshi makers and are distinctive to the area where they are made. The primary differences between styles are the shape of the body and head, as well as the painting and colors used. The type of wood and lathe used may also differ.

Creative Kokeshi

Creative Kokeshi

Creative Kokeshi

Creative Kokeshi

Creative Kokeshi

Creative Kokeshi

Creative Kokeshi

Creative Kokeshi

Creative Kokeshi

The creative form of kokeshi dolls, called Shingata, are not limited in terms of shape, color and design. The artist can paint and style the doll however they wish. The only requirement is the use of a lathe, the same tool used for traditional dolls. Creative kokeshi, which developed during World War II, are limbless also.

Craftsman making Kokeshi dolls

Kokeshi Craftsman

Every year in early September, wood craftsmen throughout Japan gather in Naruko Onsen, where the kokeshi is honored through competition. The artist who creates the best kokeshi doll receives a prestigious award from Japan's prime minister.

Creative Kokeshi

Creative Kokeshi

Mother and son Kokeshi

Kokeshi are generally bought by Japanese people as mementos. In addition to being ornamental, they are also seen as charms to prevent fires or even ward off evil. The Mizuki wood often used to make the kokeshi doll's head, translates as "water tree". It is a very moist wood and some Japanese believe that having a kokeshi in their home helps prevent fire.

You can find Kokeshi dolls at estate sales, antique stores, thrift stores, websites and eBay.

Resources

L'asie Exotique

Japanya

eHow

Thrift Share Monday, May 22

Yard work and other obligations have seriously cut into my thrift time (boo...).But it needs to be done and I did get out once this past weekend to a Goodwill store on the other side of town. I like going to this particular Goodwill as it is a bigger store and always full of stuff.  Here are my goodies:

I like the shape of this tall ribbed glass bowl. The two glass Heller jars are very sturdy and will be good for storing ingredients in the kitchen. The glass Planter's peanut jar is cute and will look nice with nuts in it. Think I'll just use it for gatherings as the two males in my house have no appreciation for this type of thing :>) 

I love sunflowers, so I had to buy this vintage stationery, right?

I've used this El Verde Ironstone platter already, for a grill out yesterday. I put big tomato slices  with fresh mozzarella and basil, drizzled with olive oil on it and it looked very pretty.

I found this cloisonne and brass candle holder to add to my collection of cloisonne. The other candlestick is made of iron, I like the design of it.

I really like the japanese motifs on this heavy plastic tray. It was difficult to take a picture as there was much reflection. I have heard that there is a product that will take scratches off of plastic - anyone know what that product is called?

This is the mystery object. It looks to me like a ice bucket or wine chiller. Bottom is marked Polytherm, made in Germany. There are initials - the letter W is over Mf. If you know anything about this item PLEASE let me know. I did a search and wasn't able to find anything.

This is the frustrating part, I couldn't find a lid. I spent over an hour looking for it in the store, hate it when that happens. 

What did you find this past weekend? This post is a part of Thrift Share Monday with Apron Thrift Girl.

REcreate

If you want to get your upcycling on, REcreate is the place to go. Owner Katie Thompson's innovative ideas and eclectic style = one of a kind items. Sadly for most of us, we won't be able to go to her store in Cape Town, Africa. But there are pictures of it on her site and she has an online store.

REcreate Studio

I was initially drawn to REcreate when I saw these suitcases chairs - what a cool idea. I am drawn to the black/green one. Here's another unique idea, an ottoman made from a galvanized tub.

This hatbox ottoman is super cute and has the bonus of storage

Here are some repurposed clocks designed by Katie.

These lamps are great and would fit in any contemporary, industrial or eclectic decor

More great repurposing ideas from Katie. I especially like the fryer basket. A grouping of the garden sieves above a desk would be nice.

Katie says that she loves creating functional art from discarded nonfunctional junk. She's definitely got the knack for it!

Recreate studio is in Salt River, Cape Town, South Africa