Countdown to World Doll Day; Kokeshi Dolls

We continue our countdown to World Doll Day with the kokeshi dolls of Japan. These wooden folk dolls originated near the end of the Edo era (1603-1868) in the Tōhoku region of northern Japan, renown for its onsen (hot spring spas). Woodworkers began carving these wooden dolls on lathes to sell to visitors at the onsen. Although the dolls from different regions had their own characteristics, they all shared the same minimalist style of round heads, limbless bodies, and simple colorful decorations. They are typically carved from cherry, dogwood, and maple. Some were created out of one piece of wood, while others had heads that wobbled or turned. The dolls were popular souvenirs and children's toys. At the end of WWII, other regions of Japan began producing their own versions of kokeshi dolls for collectors and the growing tourist trade. Known as "creative" kokeshi dolls, they come in a wide range of styles, often with more detailed decoration and added wooden hair and accessories, representing everything from traditional samurai warriors to contemporary cartoon characters. This charming collection of kokeshi dolls is from member Michele Thelen. They range from 2.5 to 5.5 inches.

This family of kokeshi dolls belongs to member Sharon Weintraub. They were given to her when she first started collecting dolls by family friend who had received them as a gift from her Japanese pen pal in the late 1940s. Each doll contains a tiny bell. The larger dolls are 2.75 inches tall.

This is another gift to Sharon by a friend who taught English in Japan in the 1970s and received this doll as a parting present from her students. The doll is 9 inches high.

This cute kitty kokeshi is "maneki neko" (beckoning cat).  Known as the "lucky cat" or "welcoming cat," the maneki neko is supposed to bring good fortune into a home or business. The oval medallion around his neck represents a koban, a gold coin used during the Edo period. This mini-maneki is only 2.25 inches tall. 

However, hidden underneath are two even smaller kokeshi dolls, each a mere half an inch tall.