Cultural aspects of kokeshi dolls in the history of Japan

Abstract

Japanese culture of dolls is rooting into millenia showing the cultural and economic strength of Japan as well as dignity of its inhabitants. Mastery of woodworkers show dolls embodying the ideal beauty of women and girls. It is believed that the first dolls were made in the late Edo-era (the beginning of the 18th century) in Tóhoku region by humble woodworkers. During centuries of kokeshi dolls they get more and more popular. In Japan there are festivals and rituals being held around these small wooden dolls presenting the old and modern cultural bounding. The study presents the world of kokeshi dolls, their evolution as well as their changes related to the beliefs of Japanese people.