“Folk art stirs memories of place, affirms individual taste and identity, and a trace of life’s everlasting impressions”
The hidden beauty of everyday objects
ようこそ
Mingei Arts represents a diverse collection of Japanese folk arts— antique and vintage objects of beauty, vitality and charm, illuminating the history and daily life of ordinary Japanese people and artisans of the 18th to the 21st centuries.
We welcome domestic and international vintage and modern Kokeshi fans, and we thank you for visiting our site.
“Folk art stirs memories of place, affirms individual taste and identity, and a trace of life’s everlasting impressions”
The hidden beauty of everyday objects
ようこそ
Mingei Arts represents a diverse collection of Japanese folk arts— antique and vintage objects of beauty, vitality and charm, illuminating the history and daily life of ordinary Japanese people and artisans of the 18th to the 21st centuries.
We welcome domestic and international vintage and modern Kokeshi fans, and we thank you for visiting our site.
Our aim is to transmit faithfully, the visual beauty of the Kokeshi doll, and to add to their historical base and origins.
Traditional Kokeshi: The Families
The Traditional Kokeshi were created as early as the late 1600s to the 1800s, by the members of the original eleven families.
Since the popularity of Kokeshi spread all over Japan after originating in the Tohoku region, certain styles can be traced back to the onsen, (Hot Springs), in the mountains where they originally sold. Early wooden dolls and toys were not signed, because Japanese travelers knew the artists/family. From early 1900s forward, and particularly after World War II, dolls began to be signed, for domestic and international tourists traveling throughout Japan who were charmed by the dolls’ unique simplicity and rustic beauty.
Explore Traditional Kokeshi Families & Dolls
Sosaku Kokeshi: The Artists
The Kokeshi-kojin is a craftsperson who creates figures from beginning to end, creating an aesthetic beauty & simplicity in the form of these spirit-infused, lathe- turned dolls.
Created as toys for children, and souvenirs for the Japanese traveler, Kokeshi represent different aspects of daily life in Japanese society. Creative Kokeshi emerged in the early 1940s, flourished from 1950s through the 1970s, and continues, even today.
Explore Sosaku Kokeshi Artists & DollsExlpore our articles and research
Giving back Kokeshi beauty and dignity
Kokeshi conservators are so critically important because they preserve artistic works for future generations, particularly since very little has been compiled on the subject. They work to ensure th...
Kokeshi: Tsubame No Gakko | Filling the Void with Inspiration
We wanted to share a wonderful educational experience and exchange with the Fresno Betsuin Buddhist Temple School in Fresno California that enriched our professional lives. As noted by the Director...
The Japanese Woodcarver / The Soul of Kokeshi
As opposed to the painted and decorated Sosaku Kokeshi, this article will focus on the relief-carved Kokeshi that emphasizes the natural qualities of the wood employed. In Japan, nature, religion, ...
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