Modern Maebashi Kokeshi Dolls as Evergreen Keepsake Gifts

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https://youtu.be/pRA9VIJzDME Why get Maebashi Kokeshi dolls? Maebashi Kokeshi dolls have long been famous as souvenirs sold at hot-springs where a lot of high-quality wood is available. Many Japanese also believe that the Kokeshi dolls have the spiritual power to prevent fire as many of them are made with moist Mizuki wood. Since they are handmade with natural wood and often designed with Japanese motifs such as Sakura, Mount Fuji, and autumn foliage, many

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The Art of Making Maebashi Kokeshi Doll

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https://youtu.be/l2m5VL1bM5g Creation of Maebashi Kokeshi doll from scratch – From choosing the wood to applying special kirikane techniques  Kokeshi dolls are often made using Mizuki and Cherry wood. Many artisans in Maebashi choose to work with Mizuki because it is soft and white, thus easier for carving and painting. Some also choose other types of wood that give off a different shade after being seasoned and polished. Since Maebashi Kokeshi dolls are created

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Yoshihiro Okamoto

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The eldest son of the second generation Usaburo. Born in Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture in 1972. Studied under the first Usaburo from the age of 20. While respecting the grain and texture of wood, he brings a new twist to kokeshi crafts with a dynamic aesthetic that goes beyond preconceived ideas. Awards: – the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award for “Blue storm” at National Modern Kokeshi Exhibition in 2002

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Toa Sekiguchi

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Born and raised in Shibukawa City in Gunma prefecture, Toa Sekiguchi lives and works with his family who also create Sosaku Kokeshi with him. This award-winning artist received the Ministry of International Trade Industry Award in 1978, and have since won the Prime Minister’s Award, among many other respected accolades. Sekiguchi employs beautifully painted Mizuki (Japanese Dogwood), for most of his kokeshi pieces. He uses the technic of deep carving to define the

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Yachiyo Ishisone

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Born in Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture in 1952. Studied under the first Usaburo from the age of 22. Expressing people’s daily lives with smooth shapes and soft lines. The popular work “Happy Buddha” was born from customer feedback. Awards: – the Minister of International Trade and Industry Award for “Ginkgo leaves dance” and more…  

Yuji Okamoto

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The eldest son of the first Usaburo. Born in Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture in 1948. Studied under his father from the age of 22. His generosity overlaps with his creative style, which simply expresses the comfort and warmth of people and everyday life. In 2013, he was commended as a meritorious person in Gunma prefecture, leading the creative kokeshi industry in Gunma. Awards: – the Prime Minister’s Award – the Minister of Education,

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History of the Kokeshi Doll in Maebashi

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History of the Kokeshi Doll in Maebashi Gunma prefecture, where Maebashi City is located, is home to many splendid hot-spring (onsen) villages and beautiful mountains in Japan. Kokeshi dolls have long been famous as souvenirs sold at hot-springs where people would visit to heal their bodies and there was also a lot of high-quality wood in the area. Getting Kokeshi dolls as a souvenir meant bringing a part of nature home, and is

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3 Things You Need to Know about Maebashi Kokeshi Dolls

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WHAT IS KOKESHI Kokeshi (こけし, 小芥子), are wooden Japanese dolls that have been crafted for more than 150 years as a toy for children. There are many stories of how the naming came upon, however, the origin remains unclear. A popular explanation suggests that “Ko” is derived from wood in Japanese (木 “Ki” or “Ko”) and “Keshi” referring to dolls (芥子 “Keshi”) or a combination of Japanese Kanji characters that meant wood carving

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