Our Archival Collections

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.

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.