Kokeshi: Wooden Treasures of Japan (Paperback)

~ Michael Evans (Author), Robert Wolf (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

This gorgeous book, the only one in English and reflects the growing interest in a culturally & creatively rich society. --Melia Childress, Media Salad

This gorgeous book, the only one in English, reflects the growing interest in a culturally & creatively rich society. -- Melia Childress, Media Salad

This publication is a beautiful object in its own right, clarifying history, leavened with nuances of cultural history and custom. -- Martha Drexler Lynn Ph.D., former associate curator of decorative arts at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art

This publication is a beautiful object in its own right, clarifying history, leavened with nuances of cultural history and custom. --Martha Drexler Lynn Ph.D., former associate curator of decorative arts at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Product Description

This gorgeous new 232 page book - the only comprehensive book on the subject in English and in print - captures the charm of these wooden treasures with 224 full color plates of the very best examples of both traditional and creative Kokeshi dolls from all regions of Japan. The cover is unusual and has the look and feel of hand-crafted binding (Purfect Bound). Size: 6-9/16” x 11” x 3/4”. Kokeshi: Wooden Treasures of Japan, is a modern exploration of a folk craft two centuries old. This timely publication reflects both the growing interest in Japan and Japanese culture in the West, and the rediscovery of folk art, traditional crafts and culturally unique handmade objects. Beyond simple visual charm, the book presents an entirely new way of appreciating Kokeshi. By exploring the variety, diversity, and historical uniqueness of Kokeshi, the dolls become - beyond a delight to the eye - an important representation of a culturally rich and creative society. Familiar examples along with rare and lesser-known dolls are presented according to traditional or creative association. Special attention is given to dolls of the ten traditional Kokeshi families, as well as creative dolls depicting popular folk legends and figures. Kokeshi by representative artists, and regional and religious dolls are also included. To complete this publication, artists’ marks, signatures and places of origin are illustrated. This book is an essential reference for the serious collector, and a fascinating education for anyone interested in folk dolls, traditional arts, or Japanese culture. This book received an award by the Independent Publishers Association for 2005.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 232 pages
• Publisher: Vermillion Publishing; 1st edition (April 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0975957007
• ISBN-13: 978-0975957004
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 6.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,622,341 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent depiction and well written, April 10, 2006

By	Ms. Zanah Kagan (NY, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I collect dolls from all over the world and search for books on subjects related to all forms of dolls. After having purchased this book I was extremely excited to find a text that describes specific dolls types in detail, while informing the reader of relevant cultural history, including the traditional use of Kokeshi to embody folkloric characters. Such tidbits enrich understanding and hint at the larger importance of the Japanese Kokeshi as a cultural expression. The dolls are beautifully portrayed by brilliant photographs and relevant historical background. I highly recommend this book for any doll collector or historian.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kokeshi: Wooden Treasures of Japan, March 27, 2006

By	Rita McIntyre - See all my reviews

I go to extreme length to find informative publications on Japanese dolls, and a friend presented me with this exciting new publication. The authors have threaded throughout the text, oversized photographic images of individual Kokeshi, often with the marks of the makers incorporated into the design. This links visual information to content while honing the collector's eye. I take my book to every flea market to support my buying of these wonderful Japanese dolls.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Martha Lynn writes:, March 23, 2006

By	Martha Drexler Lynn - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Kokeshi: Wooden Treasures of Japan, a Visual Exploration
offers both a beautiful object in its own right and a clarifying history of the dolls, leavened with nuances of cultural history and custom. For the general reader the book offers many delights, and for the specialist collector of Kokeshi, the images and marks will aid them for years to come.