DOLL called kokeshi - Tōhoku region, Japan - First half of the 20th century

DOLL called kokeshi

Tohoku region, Japan

First half of the 20th century

Wood, pigments

H.: 35.5; L.: 9.5 cm

Minimalist solid wood doll: its body is cylindrical with a rim illustrated with leaves falling to the ground.

Its round head placed on a small short neck has fine black hair, a band on the forehead and black hair styled in a square.

We owe their appearance to the kiji-shi who worked wood in the Tōhoku region, in northern Japan. Cut, painted then covered with varnish, these dolls were toys intended for children. Pigments of animal origin were suitable for this use and were not harmful.

Ref. 1613

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON