Japanese Kokeshi Doll traditional crafts　　Craftsman　Eiichi Kokubun (1932-2014)　A18


「Kokeshi size」
Height 20.5cm,(8.1inch)
head width 6.5cm(2.56nch)
bottom width 3cm, (1.18inch)
*Please note that there may be slight errors in the measurements.

Japanese Kokeshi Dolls

Japanese kokeshi dolls are traditional wooden figurines beloved for their beauty, craftsmanship, and cultural significance. Kokeshi dolls are well-known as a part of Japan's traditional crafts and are particularly popular as souvenirs and gifts.

Key Features:

Wooden Figurines: Kokeshi dolls are crafted from wood, typically using materials like maple or cherry. These woods are well-suited for carving and painting, giving each kokeshi its distinctive appearance.

Handcrafted Artistry: Kokeshi dolls are meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans. Carving and painting require a high level of expertise, resulting in unique features and expressions for each doll.

Cultural Significance: Kokeshi dolls hold a special place in Japanese culture and are associated with traditional festivals and events. In particular, "Tohoku kokeshi" from the Tohoku region's Fukushima Prefecture are closely tied to regional identity.

Collector's Items: Kokeshi dolls are highly regarded as works of art and are collected by enthusiasts. Antique and rare kokeshi dolls can appreciate in value over time.

Japanese kokeshi dolls are a beautiful fusion of wood's warmth and artisanal skill, serving as symbols of Japan's tradition and artistry. Their captivating appearance and cultural background continue to enchant people worldwide.



Craftsman　
Eiichi Kokubun (1932-2014)
Lineage: Yajiro lineage

Master: Bunichi Kamata

Disciple: Yoshiko Kokubun/Sen Kokubun

[Person]
Born on July 19, 1930, as the eldest son of Eishichi Kokubun in Shimizu Koji, Shiroishi Town. His family register name is Eiichi Kokubun.

His grandfather was Tokuharu Kokubun of Muranuma, Fukuoka, and Tokuharu's older brother Torakichi's son was Sosaku Kokubun. Sosaku was a disciple of Eigoro Niiyama. Kokubunjo is his younger brother.

Since Eishichi was the second son, he left Fukuoka village and moved to Shiroishi in the first year of the Showa era. He reportedly hired craftsmen to manufacture hoe handles and other items. His father Eishichi's younger sister was Sakuyo, who married Fumiichi Kamata.

Because of this connection, Eiichi graduated from a national school and began training as a woodturner at Kamata Bunichi in Shiroishi in 1944 at the age of 18. After about two years of training, he became independent and moved to Shimizu-koji, Shiroishi City around 1955, where he sawed various types of wood.

He also worked at another woodworking shop for a while. At first he was sawing wood for new kokeshi dolls, but eventually he turned to traditional kokeshi dolls. In 1971, he also learned about painting kokeshi dolls from Bunichi Kamata, and began making traditional kokeshi dolls that inherited Bunichi's style.

From the fall of 1971, he began restoring the Sato Kannai kata, and restored old Kannai items one after another.

He also worked on restoring Wenichi's old works. Eiichi was extremely eager to absorb knowledge about kokeshi dolls, and many knowledgeable people about kokeshi dolls, including Shinichi Kanno, gathered at Eiichi's house, creating an environment that encouraged discussion. Through this process, Eiichi was able to acquire a wealth of knowledge.

Around 1988, he taught his eldest son's wife, Yoshiko, how to draw kokeshi dolls. In his later years, he suffered from eye disease and his health deteriorated, and he was repeatedly hospitalized and hospitalized, but he passed away on July 26, 2014. He is 83 years old.