Little Kokeshi was bored everyday standing on the shelf at the store. One day, she lost her balance and fell off the shelf into the box on the floor. After a while, the delivery truck came and picked up the box that Kokeshi was in. Oh no! Where will Little Kokeshi go? Little Kokeshi's adventure starts now! Kokeshi dolls are wooden dolls that have been made in the Tohoku region of Japan for over 200 years. There are 11 types of traditional Kokeshi dolls. They have various shapes and pattern and each one is made carefully by craftsmen (Kojin) who have inherited the Kokeshi tradition, technique, and culture.

Kokeshi are traditional, artisanal Japanese dolls, characterized by their lack of arms or legs. They have become iconic; they reflect simple Japanese aesthetic sensibilities with their simple, elegant and minimalist designs. Kokeshi looks at this culture in depth. It profiles 23 artisans in the remote hot spring villages where they are made and highlights many aesthetic theories and sensibilities that are prevalent in contemporary design, even today. With rare interviews, it will delight fans of wooden crafts and Japanese culture.

Today, the Kokeshi is the most celebrated of the traditional folk arts of Japan, and the most widely collected. This creatively bound publication attempts an almost impossible task: that of presenting the history, theories, and beliefs regarding the origins of the making of the Kokeshi doll. Today, this wooden, lathe-turned and hand-painted doll is a popular example of the Japanese culture and their society. This 216 page manuscript (6.5625" x 11") with over 180 full-color images discusses the history of the Kokeshi, the original artists of the ten traditional styles, and many of the contemporary artists producing versions of this most unusual folk art. Relationships between selected traditional and 20th century creative pieces from award-winning master craftsmen are shown and illustrated in full color. To complete this publication, artists¿ marks, signatures and places of origin are illustrated along with well-known stories about the dolls. In addition, a glossary of terms is included. This book is a wonderful visual reference for the collector or individual who has an appreciation for Japanese crafts. Better yet, it is the only book currently in print in English surveying the subject of the Kokeshi doll. This unique book would be a significant addition to any folk art or toy collector¿s library and is strongly recommended to retail suppliers of art books in print. This text refers to the only English book in print on the subject. --Juichi

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.

Kokeshi dolls have much of the adorable appeal and charm of the ubiquitous Hello Kitty, but with much more extensive wardrobe. This exotic coloring book features black-outlined drawing of Kokeshi (traditional Japanese wooden dolls), each with its own distinctive costume, signature color, and personal haiku. Kids are invited to color in Kimonos, sashes, fans, and other accessories, accenting their masterpieces with any of 75 stickers. Each spread has one doll with a specific personality trait and favorite color. The yellow spread is Kukiko, whose signature trait, expressed by an accompanying haiku, is joy, and the blue spread introduces Oki, who embodies creativity. It's a high-style book with an affordable price designed to provide hours of absorbing creativity and a dash of cultural flair.

Meet Yumi! Clever and ready for adventure, Yumi can't wait to play with her friends at Kimi's costume party, and you can help her get ready! Complete with peekaboo flaps, charming die-cuts, and extravagant gatefolds, discovering the world of Kokeshi has never been so much fun.

Welcome to the colourful world of the Kokeshi, a Japanese inspired French boutique brand that introduces children to a family to traditional Japanese dolls. The Kokeshi were once made from left over pieces of wood, with sculpted hair, and little rounded bodies. Over centuries Kokeshi dolls have been modernised and given colour. Creators have taken more liberties, giving the dolls personalities and beautiful clothing, all the while observing the one founding principle. They are part of a search for beauty and art through simplicity and purity of form. Meet Yumi the youngest of the Kokeshi. She is adventurous and clever. She takes great pride in everything she does, and personifies the universe that artist Annelore Parot has created for her characters. She loves to dress up, go to school, go to parties and solve problems! Help Yumi to find the right Kimono to wear, and learn Japenese phrases. Find Yumi's friends, and then choose an outfit for a dress-up party! Decide the best sushi for Yumi to eat and then fall into a Kokeshi filled dream!

Suitable for complete beginners to crochet, perfect for using up small pieces of yarn, patterns can easily be scaled up by using larger hooks and thicker yarn.

This little book explains how to crochet little Kokeshi Amigurumi dolls. A basic knowledge of crochet is required. Amigurumi is a Japanese word, meaning a stuffed animal toy usually made from crocheted yarn and having an oversized head. Amigurumi is a combination of the Japanese words “ami”, meaning crocheted or knitted, and “nuigurumi”, meaning stuffed doll. Kokeshi dolls are traditional wooden dolls from northern Japan. They have an enlarged head. You can decorate these little dolls with flowers, bows or ribbons. You can make them as a keychain or decoration. They make a nice gift for Christmas.

With this Japanese book for children, your whole family can experience the wonder and excitement that these well-loved tales bring to story time or bedtime reading. Welcome to a fantastic world populated by mischievous monkeys, a dragon king and a host of other beloved characters who have lived on for centuries in the traditional tales of Japan. Drawn from folklore passed down from generation to generation, the ten enchanting stories collected in this Japanese children's book have been lovingly retold for today's readers. Vibrantly illustrated in full color and packed with thrilling adventures, funny discoveries, and valuable lessons, they're sure to become story time favorites and serve as an introduction to Japanese culture. Included are some of Japan's classic folktales: The Spider Weaver Little One-Inch The Badger and the Magic Fan Mr. Lucky Straw Why the Jellyfish Has No Bones The Old Man Who Made Trees Blossom The Crab and the Monkey The Ogre and the Rooster The Rabbit Who Crossed the Sea The Grateful Statues Readers of any age and background will find much to love and return to time & again in Little One-Inch And Other Japanese Children's Favorite Stories.