Whether you are a kokeshi doll collector like I am, or exploring Japanese folk art for the first time, Sosaku Kokeshi – A New Look at an Old Tradition is a wonderful, informative resource for collectors and a lovely visual introduction to Sosaku dolls. I just purchased a copy of the book, and I could not be more pleased! With its beautiful colour photographs, signatures and profiles of the artists along with titles of the dolls, it is a well-researched, comprehensive resource. While some dolls featured in the book were familiar to me, I was also introduced to artists and dolls that I have never seen or heard of before. I was especially thrilled to discover the extensive Sosaku artist directory included at the back of the book. As a collector, Sosaku Kokeshi – A New Look at an Old Tradition and Kokeshi – Wooden Treasures of Japan have helped me to appreciate and understand my current doll collection on a whole new level. I first began collecting kokeshi in the mid 1980’s, when I bought three dolls from neighbours and long-time friends who were moving back to Japan. For a long time, I simply admired and enjoyed the dolls for their beauty without thinking any further. Years passed, and my collection grew a little more when I spent two years teaching and living in Japan. There was a turning point when I started to wonder, what is the story of each doll? Suddenly it wasn’t enough to just enjoy them; I wanted to understand them. These two books have helped me to learn so much more about kokeshi dolls, and influence my thoughts on the process of doll selection. My kokeshi collection has become more focused and personal now that I am able to recognize which dolls I am truly drawn to. Although there are many kokeshi that I may never personally own, each time I open the books, I get to experience them. In that way, these two books have become an extension of and just as much a part of my collection as the dolls that sit on my shelves.

Another great Kokeshi book edition. I was thrilled to see many of the Kokeshi in my collection in your book. I even found a few that I still had not been able to identify, it was nice to finally know the artisans behind my wonderful collection.

We just received your new book, Sosaku Kokeshi: A New Look at an Old Tradition. Let us be the first to congratulate you on this superb follow-up to Kokeshi: Wooden Treasures of Japan. Your comprehensive text with its notes on the artists and the beautiful photography create a work that any collector of Kokeshi should have if they wish to develop an understanding of and knowledge about this Japanese folk art. We don’t know which is better (Does either have to be better?), the detailed textual information or the beautiful photographs. Both insist upon and rightfully demand spending time to enjoy and appreciate them. Thank you so much for adding to our appreciation of Kokeshi.

I recently purchased your book on Kokeshi and what a find after collecting for over 10 years with no information to base my purchases on. Now I have YOUR ILLUSTRATIVE BOOK and it has truly opened my eyes. All the associated stories and folk tales give such light to my collection. A curator at the Japanese American National Museum in LA told me about this great resource. Your book happens to be astonishingly precise although I can understand why someone else has not written a book on the subject, because all the artists producing Kokeshi remain obscure and little information available has not been translated. Your book truly did switch the light on for me personally as related to Japanese folk art.

Vintage Kokeshi and its history is absolutely a topic thats close to my heart, so Im pleased that you wrote about it. Im also happy that you did the subject justice bringing the history of these creative artifacts to light. Not only do you know a great deal about it, you know the way to present the subject in a way that individuals will wish to read far more. Im so happy to know a person/site like you exists on the internet. I understand you are writing a book on Sosaku Kokeshi artists. That will be high on my list for there is nothing in English on the subject, and I am worried that the craftsmen and their creations will be lost as Japan becomes more western in attitude. Doomo arigato gozaimasu from Japan.

Thank you for the BEAUTIFUL kokeshi. We have been wanting a creative (sosaku) kokeshi made by Yukio Horigome, but until now have not been able to find one in good condition. His artwork and poems are wonderful and truly enhance his dolls. I really like what you have acquired here, and would love to see your entire collection after viewing your exhibition. Interesting that you specialized in “one-of-a-kind” sosaku dolls as opposed to the traditional dolls which are not as unique because of family restrictions. My staff and I really like the information you are sharing and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and truly educate the general public on the craft. I can’t wait to read more from you for we find so much incorrect information on other sites (particularly ebay). Most readers would not know this because they have not studied the subject or even visited Northern Japan. This is actually a wonderful web site and thank you again for the expedited service.

I am extremely impressed with your site. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs and sections, as well as related info, and ended up with an experience helping me to relate the facts and data. I recently found what I hoped for with accuracy in your research and writings. Most professional. Is likely to be appreciated by those who enjoy both educational information and great examples of Japanese folk art. My specialization is Japanese textiles. A wonderful way for your clients to communicate and continue learning. Nice job.

In Japan, it seems, a topic’s popularity is commensurate with the number of books available at the bookstore about said topic. For instance, bookstores in this country are full of volumes on poetry, railroads, architecture, cooking, plants, bugs, hiking, mountains, and so forth. The fact that there are almost no books available on Kokeshi sadly reveals a general lack of interest in this wonderful craft. However, there are some available if one knows where to look. For books in English, there is only one that I am aware of: A relatively new book from the United States that’s still available entitled Kokeshi: Wooden Treasures of Japan by Michael Evans and Robert Wolf. I got mine new a few years ago and it’s been well worth it. For English-speaking enthusiasts this beautiful work is a must have, as it covers both traditional (dento) and creative (sosaku) kokeshi. I think it’s fair to say that this is “THE” foundational work on kokeshi in English, although there is definitely room for more detailed works in the future.

The Rice Merchant ivory okimono arrived in perfect condition as usual, Michael and Robert. It immediately becomes the centerpiece of our antique Japanese ivory collection. Visually and tactilely, it is a superb piece of art. We marveled at the detail in the grains of rice, the rice baskets, and his heavy coat. The carving of the hands and feet, the little bird hoping for a grain of rice to drop to the feet of the merchant, and the merchant’s happy face all contribute to the total effect. Then when we picked it up, we could feel the texture of the baskets, coat, and rice. Many thanks to you, Robert and Michael, for finding such beauty and art in a piece less than six inches tall. Thank you also for the history lesson on rice merchants, valuable background of the type you include with all purchases. Collecting items of this type has long been a goal of my wife and me. We wanted something from the Japanese culture to pass on to our children and grandchildren because they are quickly getting away from their background. We did not dare take a chance on acquiring these beautiful and valuable art pieces from just anyone. But one day we happened into Vermillion, your shop in Carmel. Both of us felt something good about you–trust. When we discovered a box with some beautiful netsuke, we, without hesitation, bought two of them, thus beginning our antique ivory collection. Through your assistance we have created a very good collection. We have every confidence in your judgment, expertise, and evaluation of Japanese folk art. We have never been disappointed.

I just received your kokeshi book and beautiful Akita Ittobori carving – very special surprise when I came home from work – and especially that it is my birthday today, so very appropriate. Thank you for the prompt service from the USA to Australia. I look forward to browsing your site for more treasures.