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Kokeshi Dolls

Kokeshi are traditional wooden dolls for children inspired by the climate of the Toohoku district of Japan and are deeply related to the faith of the people living there. They were first made made about 150 years ago as toys for the children of the farmers. Kokeshi dolls then developed from a simple toy into a modern craft and are now recognised as one of the traditional folk arts in Japan.

The wood, typically from the Cherry or Mizuki tree is cut and left to dry for six months and then cut into small pieces the size of Kokeshi before the edges are shaved and rounded off. The wood is then roughly shaped into a doll with a plane on a lathe and further shaped with a smaller plane. The surface is then filed with a paper file before the face and body are drawn on and then painted with a brush. White wax or silicon wax is then applied on the lathe and the surface is polished. Most Kokeshi are painted with girls’ faces, and floral designs on the body.