Celebration of Mingei - Journey Through Japan

Kokeshi: Art and Nature

Kokeshi: Art and Nature

If you are interested in Japanese culture and its relationship to Kimono patterns and Kokeshi motif, discover that the prominent motif is predominantly flower, plant and tree inspired since the lat...

Zodiac Animals in Japanese Folklore: Kokeshi and Wood Carvings

Zodiac Animals in Japanese Folklore: Kokeshi and Wood Carvings

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 ...

A Creditable Artistic Exchange

A Creditable Artistic Exchange

Kokeshi woodcraft and fashion have a positive long-standing relationship since Kokeshi was first introduced to the Japanese travelers and utilized motifs still used today. Intrigued with new forms,...

Evolution of Jewelry in Japan

Evolution of Jewelry in Japan

“Preserving cultural history and outstanding Japanese craftsmanship” Prior to the 18th century, most of the jewelry at the beginning of the Japanese fashion was focused on Kimono and Haori, (the tr...

Evolution of Kokeshi

JAPANESE KOKESHI: An Evolving Work of Art

Traditional and Sosaku Kokeshi have been an icons primarily from the northern regions of Japan for centuries. Note: that the Master Craftspersons (1950s-1980s) are either deceased or at an age wher...

ASIA:                         A WORLD OF USEFUL BEAUTY

ASIA: A WORLD OF USEFUL BEAUTY

The art of wood carving was passed down through many generations in countless towns and villages throughout Asia. The talent pool of skilled woodworkers who invest in undertaking the lengthy, pains...