Subscriber's Exchange
“The Ability to See”
We asked our newsletter subscribers to email us with pictures from their collection and some thoughts on what they love. We are delighted to share them here.
A Daruma Find
Cannot stop collecting Daruma figures after reading your blogs. Excellent historical writings.
Aoki Rare Kokeshi
One of twelve dolls I own. Only seen two others, both unidentified. My cherished piece and a "keeper".
Artistic Interpretation
I cherish my anniversary gift of this wonderful interpretation of a Takasago Couple for it celebrates longevity, fertility, and marital celebration.
Beautiful Japanese Crane
Beautiful drawings of the historic and treasured crane. A treasure in nature and on my shelves.
Being Cherished
She has a sister, both multi-tiered hand-painted beauties celebrating the Spring with anticipation of being cherished.
Calligraphers dream
I am a Calligrapher, and what a wonderful find for someone like myself. Beautiful form, detailing of heads and Haiku.
Carmel Treasure
My Carmel gallery treasure purchased from you in 2001. It is a wonderful painting of the motif incorporating subtle surface carving. Great legacy, doll.
Celebrating Wood
A wonderful natural wood forms a celebrating and natural finish.
Celebrating Zodiac Carvings
I specifically collect Zodiac carvings emphasizing natural wood grains. Rare to find Ryoho works of art.
Cherish Ainu Culture
Cherish Ainu rural carvings in two beautiful hand-carved and painted figures celebrating cultural values.
Conservators Views
As a conservator, when I touch and handle the piece, that is what makes me understand their significance. I discover stories about their sacred qualities, for each is a folk art, a masterpiece, and an evolution of style.
Difficult to Pick
You asked that I pick my best Kokeshi and say why. It's like asking a parent to pick their best child, lol.
Doll Poetry in Wood
Simply love the contrasting textures. Haiku is particularly lovely.
Enjoyment Forever
Love my Badger spinners' complexities and great character, adding to my enjoyment forever
Favorite
My favorite Naruto Kokeshi with a beautiful, detailed face, head, and chrysanthemum details.
Fidelity and Loyalty
My Kokeshi has all the signs of fidelity, loyalty, and the ebb and flow of life through colorful details celebrating Seigaiha Fabric.
Folktale Set
Two pieces from a set of exceptional artworks, beautifully rendered. Passing on folktails and history by two of seven lucky Gods.
Girl Power
Hurrah, female artists like Kouson. Love making a point to focus on the paucity of female woodworkers. My favorite, thank you.
Gone Forever
Bashido Byakkotai Samurai Boys are gone forever, leaving great stories to be shared
Happy Otafuku
The face of my Otafuku makes me so happy and brightens up the day.
I want more
Wonderful expressive eyes filled with a look of surprise in the Nakanosawa Ejiko. I have seen very few since my search began over 20 years ago.
Japanese Mythology
Celebrating Japanese mythology. Love the beauty of Japanese tattoo art incorporated in full detail and color in this beautifully formed doll.
Jou and Uba
My precious Kokeshi, possessing exquisite painterly technique preserving historical folk lore and artistry.
Kokeshi and Book
And she came with a book about her life. Exceptional form and delicate painting.
Kokeshi Educational Experience
Tiny cottage, limited display space. My cherished book affords me them all. Lockdown bliss.
Kokeshi & Toy
Favorite Kokeshi AND Toy. And the loose rings from one piece of wood. Great natural bark contrasting painting.
Memories of Grandma
My children call her Grandma. Wonderful Kijiyama with fond thoughts and memories of aprons and cooking.
Mochi Rabbit Toy
I collect vintage pull toys, and the mechanics of this toy are exceptional, along with its wonderful coloration.
My Girls
Fascinated with faces, shape, peace & tranquility. Natural Wood, Patterns, and color paramount. The basis for my collection.
My Passion
My passion is rare Kokeshi "Mailer Dolls" made after WWll and sent by children to friends and family.
My Proud Grandfather
My grandfather, Mito, HIroshi is so proud to see his work published in your book. Respectfully submitted.
My Treasures
My first lovely, like me, surrounded by all my treasures.
New Beginnings
Collecting kokeshi for less than two months. Had the itch to buy a truly gigantic kokeshi and spotted this impressive 32" Tsuchiya!
Oshin and Baby
What a treasure giving visual exciting details of the Oshin and Baby and such tender expressions. It's a great hachimaki headband and rendition of the garment.
Perfect Buy
I love my Nokanosowa Kokeshi in all their unique decoration. Cute faces that make funny and good-natured friends
Poetry in Wood
Grasses at the castle are touched by the sky, holding a past, shaping it with a craftsman's touch. I love Poetry in Wood.
Refinement
This vintage, simple, refined carving says it all. No other decoration is required.
Samurai Memorabilia
I love rare and unusual memorabilia. Hideie Ukita & Tametomo Minamoto represent samurai political dissidents/exiles of the Edo period. An extremely rare set.
Save the world
On the way to saving the world, many toys are kept from the bin.
Serene Lovely
This Kokeshi is one of my favorites, a powerful, minimalist design and yet serene.
Silent Landscape
My treasured Kokeshi appears like stacked stones arranged in a silent garden landscape.
Snow Girl
My cherished and beautiful Snow Girl with diverse carving textures and a little tiny face popping out.
Tiger Kokeshi
I treasure my Tiger Zodiac Kokeshi, which has a prominent spot in my display.
Hashime Prize
A beauty— Clean, elegant form and refined abstract flowers with a historical flair. Beautifully painted detailing.
Treasured Katase Kokeshi
Purchased these from you in 2002 and have treasured them ever since.
Visually Fun
I Cannot stop handling my cute Tanoue creation delicately perched with all their friends. Lockdown visually fun.
Wood Mastery
Wonderful execution and beautiful contrasting wood distinguish the garment worn.
Worn and Loved
So worn and well-loved. Wish I could understand Japanese to know her stories.
“A nation without toys is a nation doomed to ruin”
(says an old Japanese adage)
Although the lack of toys cannot conceivably be sufficient reason in itself for any nation’s decline and fall, there would seem to be some truth in the saying, because its continued fascination indicates that children around the world represent the means by which one generation can pass on to the next: the traditions and beliefs vital to a strong societal consciousness.
As supporters of Kokeshi folk arts and toys, we are prompted to ask the question of our subscribers: “Why do you collect”? Fully knowing that the visual beauty of the Kokeshi doll opens viewers “eyes” to these artistic works of art. The Kokeshi is known throughout the world, and has generated a huge following, particularly with those collectors who have developed an appreciation of the fact that many traditional hand-made crafts are rapidly disappearing out of the country that created them. From our feedback, it appears that our original premise regarding the attention of collectors to Kokeshi and toys lies in their visual appeal, their diversity of form and ornamentation, and in their historical uniqueness. It is truly through the eye’s ability to perceive the artistic elements of the Kokeshi that you, the reader, will we think, gain further insight into the Japanese culture.
We see throughout the Internet that there has been a growing trend to demand quality and diversity, which has proved to be a powerful force in the promotion of traditional crafts such as the Kokeshi doll and toys. We see by what is being sold and collected, that the “antique” and the “vintage is becoming more and more valuable to those in our database who appreciate the beautiful, accomplished craftsmanship. We encounter many folks interested in possessing the wealth of variety in particular form, they’re unique design elements, and craftsmanship, which add to the uniqueness of the piece. Therefore, the more one can observe, read, and learn about the object or craftsperson of interest, the more one can know about that artifact’s origins, and the history of the culture which produced these beautifully objects, undoubtedly enhancing your everyday life.
This essay has a mission of featuring mingeiarts collectors in order to present an interesting cross-section of Kokeshi and Toys, and the simplicity of the photography, capturing the natural, original qualities of each doll. Most importantly, in addressing the question we proposed to our readers, “let your eyes be your guide” please share what you celebrate the most about a Kokeshi or toy you love, what connected you to its unique beauty, and what piece provided you a sense of accomplishment and pride in adding this object to your collection. Below are some of those collected art objects and collectors’ comments.
This essay has a mission of featuring Mingei Arts collectors in order to present an interesting cross-section of Kokeshi and Toys, and the simplicity of the photography, capturing the natural, original qualities of each doll. Most importantly, in addressing the question we proposed to our readers, “let your eyes be your guide” please share what you celebrate the most about a Kokeshi or toy you love, what connected you to its unique beauty, and what piece provided you a sense of accomplishment and pride in adding this object to your collection. Below are some of those collected art objects and collectors’ comments.
Mingei Arts thanks each and everyone of our subscribing community for taking the opportunity to submit a cherished and favorite art object published in this Dedication. We hope all Kokeshi collectors will continue to stay engaged in finding pieces of value and that enrich everyday life. Our sincere gratitude for celebrating your positive experience encouraging new visitors to explore our Kokeshi and Toy offerings. Our blog was created to help interested persons to learn more about Japanese culture, and the beautiful artifacts made by craftspersons on the small island of Japan.
As supporters of Kokeshi folk arts and toys, we are prompted to ask the question of our subscribers: “Why do you collect”? Fully knowing that the visual beauty of the Kokeshi doll opens viewers “eyes” to these artistic works of art. The Kokeshi is known throughout the world, and has generated a huge following, particularly with those collectors who have developed an appreciation of the fact that many traditional hand-made crafts are rapidly disappearing out of the country that created them. From our feedback, it appears that our original premise regarding the attention of collectors to Kokeshi and toys lies in their visual appeal, their diversity of form and ornamentation, and in their historical uniqueness. It is truly through the eye’s ability to perceive the artistic elements of the Kokeshi that you, the reader, will we think, gain further insight into the Japanese culture.
We see throughout the Internet that there has been a growing trend to demand quality and diversity, which has proved to be a powerful force in the promotion of traditional crafts such as the Kokeshi doll and toys. We see by what is being sold and collected, that the “antique” and the “vintage is becoming more and more valuable to those in our database who appreciate the beautiful, accomplished craftsmanship. We encounter many folks interested in possessing the wealth of variety in particular form, they’re unique design elements, and craftsmanship, which add to the uniqueness of the piece. Therefore, the more one can observe, read, and learn about the object or craftsperson of interest, the more one can know about that artifact’s origins, and the history of the culture which produced these beautifully objects, undoubtedly enhancing your everyday life.
This essay has a mission of featuring mingeiarts collectors in order to present an interesting cross-section of Kokeshi and Toys, and the simplicity of the photography, capturing the natural, original qualities of each doll. Most importantly, in addressing the question we proposed to our readers, “let your eyes be your guide” please share what you celebrate the most about a Kokeshi or toy you love, what connected you to its unique beauty, and what piece provided you a sense of accomplishment and pride in adding this object to your collection. Below are some of those collected art objects and collectors’ comments.
This essay has a mission of featuring Mingei Arts collectors in order to present an interesting cross-section of Kokeshi and Toys, and the simplicity of the photography, capturing the natural, original qualities of each doll. Most importantly, in addressing the question we proposed to our readers, “let your eyes be your guide” please share what you celebrate the most about a Kokeshi or toy you love, what connected you to its unique beauty, and what piece provided you a sense of accomplishment and pride in adding this object to your collection. Below are some of those collected art objects and collectors’ comments.
Mingei Arts thanks each and everyone of our subscribing community for taking the opportunity to submit a cherished and favorite art object published in this Dedication. We hope all Kokeshi collectors will continue to stay engaged in finding pieces of value and that enrich everyday life. Our sincere gratitude for celebrating your positive experience encouraging new visitors to explore our Kokeshi and Toy offerings. Our blog was created to help interested persons to learn more about Japanese culture, and the beautiful artifacts made by craftspersons on the small island of Japan.