All the Charm of The Orient with the Delightful Kokeshi Collection.

Traditional Kokeshi was first manufactured around two centuries ago sometime in the middle of the Edo period (1603-1867) in the north east area of Japan known as the Tohoku region. Traditional Kokeshi dolls made today can be classified under eleven types to include: Tsuchiyu, Togatta, Yajiro, Naruko, Sakunami, Yamagata, Kijiyama, Nanbu, Tsugaru, Zao-takayu, and Hijioro, as well as Kokeshi itself. Traditional Kokeshi dolls are very simple in design, originally made on hand-powered lathes. Though the first Kokeshi dolls might have been unpainted, today most Kokeshi are painted in bright floral designs, kimonos, and other traditional patterns. As all the Kokeshi dolls are hand painted, no two faces are alike. Each piece is in its own way, unique. This is perhaps the greatest charm of the Kokeshi. Some dolls are whimsical, happy and smiling, while others are serious. The woods used for Kokeshi vary. Today, Kokeshi is recognized as one of the traditional folk arts of Japan.