Kokeshi dolls

Kokeshi (こ け し, kokeshi) are Japanese wooden dolls. The dolls are handmade by artisans, who specialize in making wooden tools, or by creative artists. It originates in Tohoku, northeastern Japan. Their design is very simple, a large and round head, a cylindrical and small body relative to the head and without limbs. The dolls are designed in a variety of styles and each area in Japan has its own unique design line. The early dolls were not painted, but today most are painted in a variety of colors and decorated with various traditional flowers and decorations. The puppet faces are drawn in fine lines. Some of them smile or have a mischievous look and some have a serious expression. Although there are different types of Kokeshi dolls, all of them are characterized by perfection, beauty and simplicity.

​

Explore our gallery that contains over 500 original items.