What is Creative Kokeshi?
Gunma Prefecture boasts the largest
production of creative kokeshi dolls
in Japan.
The dolls are created based on the free ideas of each artist, sometimes featuring characters from anime and movies as motifs, allowing people to enjoy unique kokeshi dolls that do not fit a certain mold.
While traditional kokeshi dolls are characterized by specific shapes and patterns that
have been passed down for
generations, creative kokeshi dolls are characterized by their freedom of form and constantly
evolving new shapes and
designs.
The primary wood used for making kokeshi dolls is Mizuki, but in Gunma, other woods
such as
sakura, keyaki
(Japanese zelkova), and chestnut are also used to create works that showcase the natural beauty of
the wood grain.
The appeal of Gunma's creative kokeshi dolls lies in the use of various woods and the beauty of
their natural wood
grain.
01
Kokeshi Dolls with Japanese taste
While creative kokeshi dolls are characterized by their freedom of form, the workshop at
Fujikawa Craft emphasizes the
Japanese aesthetic and works to create designs that are familiar and resonate with
people.
They establish a clear
concept and produce dolls that are easy to pick up and appreciate.
02
Kokeshi Dolls selected for souvenirs
Kokeshi Dolls selected for souvenirs Fujikawa Craft's creative kokeshi dolls have been selected as souvenirs by local officials and have been gifted to foreigners, receiving rave reviews.
03
Award-winning creative kokeshi artist Fujikawa family
They have also won awards such as the Prime Minister's Award ('96) ('02),
the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award ('95),
the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award ('95) ('96)
as well as prizes from various newspapers (Asahi, Yomiuri, Mainichi, Tokyo, Nikkei, Sankyo, Jomo etc.), NHK, Gunma TV,
FM Gunma, and other organizations.
