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

by Manami Okazaki

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:
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.

Genres: Nonfiction, Japan, Art

168 pages, Hardcover

Published November 30, 2021

Reviews

[Ashley Lambert-Maberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely book, easy to read, easy on the eyes, the perfect proportion of text to image—but it's not immortal prose that will touch the heart, or have me salivating for the eventual re-read, so firmly in the 4-star zone for me.

I did learn everything one could possibly want to know about Kokeshi dolls, including regional differences, which is quite a feat on the author's part when to the naked eye they all seem relatively identical. But the author focuses your attention on the bits that differ and matter, and it all becomes quickly clear.

On a personal note, after 7 years of planning (and 3 years of actually booking, delaying for Covid, delaying again, delaying again, 6 times) I have at last managed to obtain a Japanese visa and will be visiting Oct 12 for the first time. I expect much shopping for Kokeshi dolls in my near future!

Note: I have written a novel (not yet published), so now I will suffer pangs of guilt every time I offer less than five stars. In my subjective opinion, the stars suggest:

(5* = one of my all-time favourites, 4* = really enjoyed it, 3* = readable but not thrilling, 2* = actually disappointing, and 1* = hated it. As a statistician I know most books are 3s, but I am biased in my selection and end up mostly with 4s, thank goodness.)

[Kirurin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for anyone who wants to learn more about kokeshi dolls from Japan, from how they are made, where they originate from to where to buy them. Mostly for beginners, I would say. Very clear writing style, many photos.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have collected Japanese wooden dolls for a few years and now I know more about the history and designs.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful photos of the various dolls and wonderful history about the dolls as well as the artists who make them.

[Anne · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not what i expected or was hoping for. This book was very narrow and limited in scope.