The images represented in japanese Kokeshi doll craving typically fall into one of three categories: iconic scenes, significant themes and motifs in history and literature, and objects in everyday life, (e.g. kimono/yukata, children/baby, seasonal grasses/flowers). Additionally, the seasons have been celebrated in Japan for centuries, and have influenced design on all forms of art produced in that country. Kokeshi dolls are certainly no exception, as seasonal motifs and mythological subjects are carved and painted in a variety of methods on their bodies.
Through its early cultural ties with China, Japan has a long, rich tradition of poetry celebrating the seasons. Popular Haiku often appear on Kokeshi, enhancing the ornamentation of the dolls’ depiction of the season portrayed.
Ume (plum), and Sakura (cherry), blossoms herald the arrival of Haru, (Spring). Sama, (Summer), appears in the form of Ayame, (Iris), Take, (Bamboo), and even Matsuri, (Festivals). Aki, (Autumn), adorns Kokeshi through the paintings of Momiji, (Maple Leaves), in red, orange, and yellow colors, or Kiku, (Chrysanthemum), a very important symbol of autumn throughout the country. Fuyu, (Winter), shows up as snowy pine, (Yuki no matsu), heavy rain and snow coats, scarves, and head coverings, which in some cases almost dwarf the figure within. As much as Kokeshi represent memories, or moments in time, their ties to the four seasons are undeniable.
While a number of these artisans did apprentice under Traditional masters, the Sosaku Kokeshi artists showed exciting variety and imagination, for the dolls produced were larger in many cases, and were certainly more elegant. Many of them were created using more than one type of wood, with the various woods comprising the clothing and hair treatments; and with the application of different methods of carving, chiseling, “harmonic chatter-work”, (Birikan’na), and wood-burning techniques, the dolls were a far different type of Kokeshi than their Traditional predecessors.
Once the tourists visiting the area’s popular hot springs, during the long winters, wanted a token of their stay, the woodworkers began shaping and painting more attractive and culturally sensitive versions for sale, thus reinforcing the importance of both historical and contemporary impressions of motifs seen throughout history.
Japanese Names, Signatures & Seals
In more recent times, an artist’s signature has become the standard, if you will, and nowhere is this more prevalent than it is on Kokeshi dolls. One of the very few, if not the only, folk-art doll creations bearing signatures, Kokeshi artists have been signing their works since the appearance of the very first Traditional doll.
Japanese artists’ names, (surname first, given name second), appear as transcribed from the actual artwork or exhibition catalogues. The signatures of the artists on the dolls are ALWAYS unique, and artistically rendered. They are, in many instances, different than the Katakana. When the signature is shown, it shows the artist’s signature, maybe the apprentice name, studio and possibly the Onsen for clarification, and identification.
