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 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

Embodying an intricate blend of pattern and color, texture and composition, the Japanese kimono is a stunning garment with origins dating back to the Nara period (645?794). Its history is rich in tradition, culture, and art. Drawing her inspiration from the 18th- and 19th-century Japanese woodblock prints by such masters as Utamaro and Hiroshige, designer and fashion historian Ming-ju Sun has created this exotic collection of 26 exquisite costumes with two charming Japanese dolls to model them. The kimonos display a broad range of lovely fabrics ? from simple, practical cottons to luxurious silks and satins ? and a variety of traditional decorative elements ? geometrics, florals, stripes, checks, plaids, animals, landscapes, Japanese characters, and circular crests. All are sensitively illustrated with clean line and lush color in the style of Japanese woodcuts. This entertaining and educational paper doll collection will be a favorite with children and collectors. As a full-color survey of the Japanese kimono as an art form, the volume will be valued by costume designers, students of the history of fashion, and the many people fascinated by Japanese art and culture.

Ningyo: The Art of the Japanese Doll features over 250 unique photographs as well as extensive commentary and background history. Japanese dolls (ningyo) have played an important role in Japanese art and culture since its earliest stages of development, as talismanic figures, centerpieces, in elaborate festivals, medical study tools, theater distractions, decorative objects, and avidly collected art forms, as well as childhood playthings. Ningyo: The Art of the Japanese Doll is the most comprehensive book on antique Japanese dolls and figurines published in English. The book focuses on the many types of Japanese dolls: gosho: palace dolls hina: Girl's Day dolls musha: warrior dolls for the Boy's Day Festival isho: fashion dolls The principal forms of the dolls and their history, stylistic development, cultural context, and economic imperatives are discussed against the backdrop of Edo-period society and popular culture. Beautifully detailed color photographs of ningyo drawn from private collections, many of which are published here for the first time, as well as images of related materials selected from celebrated museums and temple collections, such as folding screens, woodblock prints, sculpture, painting ceramics, and textiles, help place the dolls in context. Ningyo: The Art of the Japanese Doll is a fascinating book for anyone interested in Asian doll art and doll collecting.

I am Miss Kanagawa. In 1927, my 57 doll-sisters and I were sent from Japan to America as Ambassadors of Friendship. Our work wasn't all peach blossoms and tea cakes. My story will take you from New York to Oregon, during the Great Depression. Though few in this tale are as fascinating as I, their stories won't be an unpleasant diversion. You will make the acquaintance of Bunny, bent on revenge; Lois, with her head in the clouds; Willie Mae, who not only awakened my heart, but broke it; and Lucy, a friend so dear, not even war could part us. I have put this tale to paper because from those 58 Friendship Dolls only 45 remain. I know that someone who chooses this book is capable of solving the mystery of the missing sisters. Perhaps that someone is you.