New Kokeshi

Here are some kokeshi I've recently put up for sale on my store.

Kokeshi Sketches

Usually I post my sketches over here, at my other blog, however since these ones are kokeshi related I thought they should be up here.

Woodblock Print

I can't resist a good kokeshi woodblock print. Here is one I bought from Jean.

Boys

Most koekshi are girls...but, sometimes I find boys from time to time. Like this little cutie.

Did you know....?

Every week I hope to post a little something about things you may not know about Kokeshi. Here is this week's. Did you know that Kokeshi are made with no arms or legs? Yep they are! Just take a look at one from you own collection. However, from time to time kokeshi with legs do pop up. Like these ones below.

Kokeshi LOVE Featured on Etsy Treasury!

Thank you Raging Dichotomy.

A bit of history

It is said that Kokeshi were first made in(Tohoku region) the northern area of Japan by woodworkers who would sell Kokeshi to tourists visiting onsens (hot springs) as extra income. Often these early kokeshi would become back massages for bathers in the onsens.

Late, kokeshi became popular with young girls from families who could not afford to buy porcelain dolls. Soon after, kokeshi where given as gifts when a child was born or as birthday presents.