Kokeshi, said started from Edo period, is a simple doll made of wood. This time we will introduce the charms of Kokeshi and the limited edition are only available at Isetan Shinjuku.
A doll to celebrate the healthy growth of children
Kokeshi’s history dates back to Edo period. There are records from Bakumatsu (late Edo period) that wrote about Kofukeshi (Koukeshi). Kofukeshi means the celebration of a given child. The pattern “Mizuhikite” which is drawn on the head of Kokeshi is a drawing style specially created for celebratory dolls of the Kyoto’s “Imperial Dolls”. In other word, Kokeshi is a celebratory doll that is for the healthy growth of children.
Kokeshi originated in Tohoku district; it was said that people who went for a bath (for medical purpose) at hot springs would buy Kokeshi for their kids. Now, most of the people purchase Kokeshi for decoration or collection due to the unique pattern and the Japanese-like expression.
The very unique limited edition of Kokeshi at Isetan Shinjuku
The limited edition Kokeshi, which has the expression unique to the Yajiro series’ Kokeshi that give the feeling of Japanese tradition, combined with the contemporary colors, is one of those with sophisticated finish. It is about 18cm tall and 6cm in width (head part), and is perfect for a souvenir. According to the retailer, the flower pattern is added to make it looks more gentle and lovely. If you look carefully, there are yellow and green lines on it, and from it one will think of the Isetan’s shopping bag. This is so cute!
The Kokeshi are all handmade. Although the faces are same, but the Kokeshi, each of them, has a delicately different facial expression. It is one of the funs when choosing a Kokeshi.
The popular promotion “isetan mingei” will now be permanently open!
At “isetan mingei”, collections of folk crafts from all over the countries, for example Ontayaki’s and Yachimun’s wares, glasses, Japanese paper products, braided products, toys such as Kokeshi and papier-mache, brooms, clothes, and others, projects focusing on the seasonal changes, saijiki (year time chronicle) and area specific, are introduced. The Isetan Originial Kokeshi, made by Takashi Kamada, can only be purchased here.
*The images above are for illustration only. There is occasion where the products may not be available at the shop. Also, as all items are handmade by each creator, the quantity is limited.
Shop Information
Isetan Shinjuku 5th Floor West Park
For more details ＞http://isetan.mistore.jp/store/shinjuku/foreign_customer/index.html
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