Zodiac Kokeshi Dolls and Figure Carvings
Zodiac Kokeshi have been in existence since the Sosaku Movement was introduced. Most of these dolls are done on commission for special clients and done by only a few Kokeshi artisans including: Sato Hideichi (1927-2009); Takahashi, Hajime (1918-2002), Miyajima, Muhitsu (1929-) and Sato Kouson. Very few zodiac-inspired dolls exists other than for the child of a special client, or for celebrations associated with celebrations such as seasonal festivals. Because they are individually carved and painted, there are few to be found as they are traditionally kept by the person or family, since many carry wishes and prayers by the giver and receiver.
Additionally, other woodcarvers produced toys to be purchased as festival souvenirs. A very accomplished carver, who is identified only by one name, Ryoho, who worked in the Hida Takayama area of Gifu Prefecture, extensively carved Zodiac animals using a process called Ittobori carving, which is a woodworking technique that involves carving wood with a single blade. There are several types focused on animals: Sasano Ittobori, is often focused on birds; Ichii Ittobori, which is only made of Japanese yew, was designated a National Traditional Craft in 1975; Ise Ittobori, again using a single knife to carve motifs, including gods, roosters, dogs, and frogs. If you are fortunate to find a Kokeshi Zodiac doll, it is rare find, and, considered to have value because of their handmade beauty, limited quantity, and historically significant.
Chinese Buddhist monks introduced the Zodiac to Japan in the 600s. Ancient astronomers divided the course Jupiter takes through the sky into twelve sections, assigning one of the characters of the Zodiac to each. This enabled people to determine which year it was based on Jupiter’s position. The system was eventually adopted by Japan. Craftsmen speculate that it was during the Han system in Japan, which was in place during the Edo and early Meiji periods, that the characters representing each of the years in the twelve-year Zodiac cycle were associated with ordinary animals. Zen, being a branch of Buddhism, encourages meditation, in which Zen priests use koan, (riddles or puzzles), to express their insights and to guide a student’s thoughts.
Buddhist philosophy hinges on cause and effect good deeds bring good results, bad deeds bring bad results. During this time, Zodiac animals were often depicted as poets shown below, which forms the basis of this writing. Poets engaged in a contest and promise, good luck, and images of them can serve as prayers for good harvests and prosperity. Some modern Buddhist retellings of the Zodiac animal stories, show people and animals in a positive and negative light, but in most cases their acts are all forgiven.
The Twelve Zodiac Animals
The Zodiac animals are a set of calendar symbols, which each animal represents a year in a twelve-year cycle that is based on Jupiter’s orbit—(the planet takes nearly twelve earth years to circumnavigate the sun). Japanese Zodiac animals came to be linked to specific character traits, which were thought to influence the personality of anyone born in its year. Therefore, people born in a particular year are said to inherit some of the personality traits of that year's animal. The Japanese considers the Zodiac animals as poets engaged in a contest, wishing their gifts upon the people who cherish and believe in their gift giving abilities.
The Zodiac animals promise good luck, and images of them can serve as prayers for good harvests and prosperity. These symbolic animals, still in use today, follow this cyclical order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Boar. Most of the Zodiac animals were meant to protect the home as seen through the characteristics of the twelve animals. The rat’s face, the ox’s horns, the rooster’s crest, the rabbit’s ears, the horse’s mane, the goat’s beard, the dog’s torso with the tiger’s skin, the monkey’s legs, the boar’s and snake’s tails, all enveloped in the flames of the dragon. Above mythical creatures are named in a rhyme that honors what lies at the heart of a good harvest: “the farmer who rises in the hour of the tiger, before dawn, and works in the fields through the hour of the horse, noon.” During the Edo period (1603–1868) the Zodiac animals were used to divide the day into twelve sections, such as the midnight rat or the noon horse. Even today, the Japanese traditions continue, for example the term for midday is shōgo (literally, “proper horse”), and morning and afternoon are gozen, (before the horse), and gogo, (“after the horse”).
Character Traits and Symbolism
A popular story explains why certain animals were chosen for the Zodiac and in what order. According to the tale, the gods announced that the first 12 animals assigned a place in the zodiac were for citizens to make offerings at New Year and first year traditions and greetings, (hatsumoude). The folk tale says that all the animals were excited and wanted to be in the calendar. One version claims that the rat, knowing he was small and might struggle to get a place, tricked the cat and several other animals by giving them the wrong date. The cat, crane, carp and turtle didn't wake up in time and arrived a day late, and as a result, missed the chance to be in the Zodiac. It is said that since the cat was vengeful for the rat's deceit, and why cats chase rats to this day. The other animals were forgiving.
Each animal is associated with specific character traits, and people born in a particular year are said to inherit some of the personality traits of that year's animal.
Rat (ne) / Mouse (Nezumi) -They are energetic and outgoing. Some negative aspects can be greed and rudeness
Ox (ushi) -Considered to be patient and hard-working, willing to put in a lot of effort to achieve goals.
Tiger (tora) -/considered brave, passionate, and spirited.
Rabbit (u) -Is considered calm, gentle, and elegant.
Dragon (tatsu) - Said to be charismatic, inspiring, and generous. It is the mightiest in Japanese Lore, and the controller of the change of the seasons.
Snake (mi) -Is thought to be wise and intelligent, able to assess situations carefully and from various angles.
Horse (uma)-the horse is known to be free-spirited and independent.
Sheep (Hitsuji) / Goat (Yagi) -The sheep or goat, (interchangeably used), is considered one of the most creative of the zodiac signs—artistically talented and passionate.
Monkey (saru)-Is considered human like, Monkeys represent heroes as well as Villains, symbolizing long life, and are considered one of the smartest, yet also very erratic.
Rooster (tori) - The rooster are opinionated and outspoken
Dog (inu) -The dog is considered the most loyal of the animals.
Boar (i) -The boar displays great honesty and work ethic.
As the story tell us above, the other animals not being part of the Japanese Zodiac play an important part in Japanese society, including humans such as Daruma, who symbolizes happiness, endurance and the ability to persevere; Crane and Turtle, Symbols of Longevity; the Carp, (koi): Perseverance and Strength, and finally the Cat (Maneki Neko), symbolizes good fortune and prosperity. The Japanese have a custom of collecting all twelve animals so as to reap the benefits of each. Below are just a few of the “best of the best” produced by both Kokeshi craftsmen as well as regional woodworking artists. As a final note: decorative motifs on Kokeshi, including Zodiac characters, are distinct imagery that reflect cultural or historical significance, often serving to unify a composition or add depth to the narrative within the artwork.
