My Kokeshi Collection

I didn’t set out to start collecting kokeshi ( 小芥子, こけし) dolls, but let’s be realistic — if you’re in any way involved in Japanese traditional arts it’s going to happen eventually. Whether it be gifts, souvenirs, impulse purchases, or any other myriad options, these charming little figurines will find their way into your heart and your home.

I’ve already posted about my Kimmidolls, which are a more modern Australian take on kokeshi-style figures, but as my actual kokeshi collection continues to grow, thanks in no small part to this incredible mystery bundle I got from the Los Angeles Toy, Doll and Amusements Museum, I figured it was time I gave these lovely ladies (and occasional gentleman) their moment in the spotlight.

Dento (Traditional) Kokeshi

Starting with the classic Tohoku-style lathe kokeshi most folks are familiar with, and including regional variations and tourist souvenir types. These tend to have the most “vintage” style faces and decorations.

Traditional Togatta (遠刈田)-style kokeshi gifted by a local kimono vendor in Montreal, QC	Yukinko (雪ん子) – Child in Snow kokeshi LATDA kokeshi mystery box	Koke-shoe? Yukinko (雪ん子) – Child in Snow kokeshi LATDA kokeshi mystery box
Three Fude (筆こけし) – Ink Brush kokeshi LATDA kokeshi mystery box	Tall stylish kokeshi with packages and hat LATDA kokeshi mystery box	Tall skinny kokeshi LATDA kokeshi mystery box
Twin girl kokeshi-nodda (nodding/bobble head) gifted by restaurant owners in Montreal, QC	Charming pair of kokeshi-nodda (nodding/bobble head) LATDA kokeshi mystery box	Couple on wooden base LATDA kokeshi mystery box
Adorable small kokeshi with landscape LATDA kokeshi mystery box	Small kokeshi with charming crab motif LATDA kokeshi mystery box

Sosaku (Modern) Kokeshi

Still crafted by Japanese artisans, these fall under the modern style that became popular in the fifties and sixties. Their designs are more fluid, the shapes are more organic. This is personally my favourite style. I love how shapely they are, and tend to have an excellent and comforting feel when held.

Ume kokeshi with interesting shape, unmarked thrifted in Oak Glen, CA	Slender Usaburo kokeshi thrifted in Montreal, QC	Petite kokeshi with bob, unmarked gifted by a friend
Carved kimono kokeshi by Takamizawa Kazuo LATDA kokeshi mystery box	Hanakasumi kokeshi by Artforum gifted by a friend	Diminutive unpainted round kokeshi gifted by a friend

Alternative Kokeshi

These may include Japanese dolls that don’t fit elsewhere or kokeshi-inspired art dolls from around the world.

Kokeshi stacking block toys by House Industries x Uncle Goose purchased on Etsy	Kokeshi stacking block toys by House Industries x Uncle Goose purchased on Etsy	Kokeshi stacking block toys by House Industries x Uncle Goose purchased on Etsy
Kokeshi stacking block toys by House Industries x Uncle Goose purchased on Etsy	Kokeshi stacking block toys by House Industries x Uncle Goose purchased on Etsy	Elegant kokeshi by Canadian artist Christiane Bissonnette thrifted in Montreal, QC
Frida Kahlo art doll Kokeshi by Lucie Kaas purchased at Palm Springs Art Museum gift shop	Kokeshi-style trinket box, girl purchased at Palm Springs Vintage Market	Kokeshi-style trinket box, boy purchased at Palm Springs Vintage Market
Mass-produced tourist kokeshi I bought because it looked like me in this outfit. purchased in Montreal QC’s Chinatown district	Teeeeny Tiny Kokeshi. You can view a close-up here. This one lives in this diorama now. gifted by a friend

I do intend to get full 360 video of each of these beauties, since some of them have writing or fun details on alternate sides, but that’s a project for when I have more free time.

Because I am nothing if not shameless, I do have a wishlist of easily-available kokeshi on Amazon right now too. I am also on the hunt for the Usaburo Kuromi and may snag her soon, as well as Lucie Kaas Vincent Van Gogh but it’s not available at any North American retailers I can find at the moment.

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