Accession Number2021/1.131
TitleKokeshi Doll
Artist(s)JapaneseArtist NationalityJapanese (culture or style)Object Creation Datemid-20th centuryMedium & Supportwood with painted designDimensions 9 7/8 x 2 3/8 x 2 in. (25 x 6 x 5 cm)
Credit LineGift of Harold W. Stevenson, University of Michigan Professor Emeritus in PsychologySubject matterKokeshi dolls are handmade wooden dolls that date back to the 19th century and come from the Tohoku region of Northern Japan. The origin and meaning of the word kokeshi is uncertain but it may be derived from the word for wooden (木, ki, ko) or small (小, ko), and the word for dolls (芥子, keshi). Kokeshi dolls have a head and body but no defined hands, legs, or feet. Their faces, clothing, and decoration are all painted on their head and body. Many people believe kokeshi dolls have spiritual significance and can be used to protect children. This kokeshi doll is a so-called traditional type, which has an abstract painted design of a child with a bob-cut hair style and a colorful kimono. More recently, there is a new type called “creative” kokeshi, with more free-form designs. Both traditional and creative kokeshi dolls are used as ornaments, collector’s items, and are bought as gifts or souvenirs in and outside of Japan.
Physical DescriptionA wooden doll with two tiers made up of a head and body with no arms, legs or feet. Painted on the head is a face and hair. The body is plain except for two flowers painted vertically on the front of the body.
Primary Object Classification Wood and Woodcarving Primary Object TypefigureCollection AreaAsianRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
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Keywords
dolls (figurines)
flower (motif)
folk art (traditional art)
girls
woodwork (general works)