Japanese Kokeshi Dolls : The Woodcraft and Culture of Japan’s Iconic Wooden Dolls

**An inside look at kokeshi dolls: from the skilled woodworkers behind their design to their important cultural significance.** Kokeshi are the simple and charming traditional Japanese dolls characterized by their cylindrical shape and lack of arms and legs. Historically made as children's toys in Japan's northern region of Tohoku, they have now become a popular collector's item and have even inspired famous architects and artists. In this visual guide, readers will find: * An overview of the different types of dolls * How kokeshi dolls are crafted, including information on tools and woods used * Interviews with leading kokeshi craftspeople worldwide * Detailed information about both traditional dolls and the modern ones being crafted today * An exploration of the cultural significance of kokeshi dolls--both historically and for the areas of northern Japan that rebuilt themselves after their region was decimated by an earthquake and tsunami in 2011 * A guide to visiting Japan's kokeshi regions * Information on how to buy the dolls--either directly from Japanese artisans or stockists worldwide Filled with artist interviews, gorgeous photos and firsthand travel experience, author Manami Okazaki has created a book to be enjoyed by all--from serious collectors to woodcrafters, interior designers, architects, armchair travelers and anyone with an interest in Japanese culture and travel. Get An Inside Look At Japanese Kokeshi Dolls: Their Skilled Makers, The Devastation Their Home Region Has Faced And A Travel Guide So You Can Get Up Close To These Beloved Pieces. Kokeshi Are The Simple And Charming Traditional Japanese Dolls, Characterized By Their Cylindrical Shape And Lack Of Arms And Legs, Carved From Wood That Are Historically Made In Japan's Remote Northern Region Of Tohoku. Crafted Individually By Artisans In Bucolic Mountainous Villages, No Two Dolls Are The Same, And Their Imperfections Are One Of The Appealing Aspects Of This Folk Craft. Though They Began As Children's Toys Made From Scraps Of Wood, Kokeshi Dolls Have Become A Popular Collector's Item And Have Even Inspired Manga And Anime Characters. This Comprehensive Guide By Kokeshi Expert Manami Okazaki Tells Everything There Is To Know About Kokeshi Dolls--from History To Production Methods And Types Of Dolls To Current Trends. Through Interviews With Artists, Gorgeous Photos And Firsthand Travel Experience, Okazaki Presents Detailed Information About Both Traditional And Modern Syles Of Dolls Being Crafted Today. This Comprehensive Survey Includes: A Guide To Visiting Japan's Most-famous Kokeshi Regions Information On How To Buy The Dolls--either Directly From The Japanese Makers Or Stockists Worldwide The Work Of 2 U.s.-based Kokeshi Artisans Interviews With Leading Japanese Craftsmen Answers To Common Questions About Kokeshi An Exploration Of The Cultural Significance Of These Dolls How They've Become A Sort Of Mascot For Their Devastated Home Region Of Fukushima An inside look at kokeshi dolls: from the skilled woodworkers behind their design to their important cultural significance.

Kokeshi are the simple and charming traditional Japanese dolls characterized by their cylindrical shape and lack of arms and legs. Historically made as children's toys in Japan's northern region of Tohoku, they have now become a popular collector's item and have even inspired famous architects and artists.

In this visual guide, readers will find:

• An overview of the different types of dolls
• How kokeshi dolls are crafted, including information on tools and woods used
• Interviews with leading kokeshi craftspeople worldwide
• Detailed information about both traditional dolls and the modern ones being crafted today
• An exploration of the cultural significance of kokeshi dolls--both historically and for the areas of northern Japan that rebuilt themselves after their region was decimated by an earthquake and tsunami in 2011
• A guide to visiting Japan's kokeshi regions
• Information on how to buy the dolls--either directly from Japanese artisans or stockists worldwide

Filled with artist interviews, gorgeous photos and firsthand travel experience, author Manami Okazaki has created a book to be enjoyed by all--from serious collectors to woodcrafters, interior designers, architects, armchair travelers and anyone with an interest in Japanese culture and travel. An inside look at kokeshi dolls: from the skilled woodworkers behind their design to their important cultural significance. Kokeshi are the simple and charming traditional Japanese dolls characterized by their cylindrical shape and lack of arms and legs. Historically made as children's toys in Japan's northern region of Tohoku, they have now become a popular collector's item and have even inspired famous architects and artists. In this visual guide, readers will find: an overview of the different types of dolls; how kokeshi dolls are crafted, including information on tools and woods used; interviews with leading kokeshi craftspeople worldwide; detailed information about both traditional dolls and the modern ones being crafted today; an exploration of the cultural significance of kokeshi dolls--both historically and for the areas of northern Japan that rebuilt themselves after their region was decimated by an earthquake and tsunami in 2011; a guide to visiting Japan's kokeshi regions; and information on how to buy the dolls--either directly from Japanese artisans or stockists worldwide. Filled with artist interviews, gorgeous photos and firsthand travel experience, author Manami Okazaki has created a book to be enjoyed by all--from serious collectors to woodcrafters, interior designers, architects, armchair travelers and anyone with an interest in Japanese culture and travel