Monday, January 24, 2011

kokeshi love



I recently finished knitting a little kokeshi doll for Mayumi - a late Christmas present and a project that I've had in the works for almost a year. I purchased it as a kit from Purl Soho during my last trip to NYC.

I have a soft spot for these little limbless dolls. The historical purpose of kokeshi is a bit ambiguous - some believe they were used as massage tools, some say they represented children who died, some say they were good luck charms. I gravitate towards the theory that they embody a wish to give birth to a happy, beautiful baby. I am always looking for some good fertility mojo!

In the spirit of my kokeshi love, here are some lovely little creations I came across on the web:


from Asial's shop





from temple7e


from labeba

from 26Seven


Let me know if you find any other kokeshi creativity out there!

4 comments:

MJ said...

These are all so adorable, as is your doll!! Thanks for sharing!

MamaD said...

Do you know that I totally have the nativity from Kokeshi Designs!? Except I only have Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus but I love it. Maybe I will add to my collection sometime. PapaD's mom gave them to me for Christmas along with a charming kokeshi ornament for Lucy.

jhitomi said...

I love everything kokeshi! Thank you for these; I may have to buy some of these adorable items.

becoming claudine said...

The doll you knitted is simply beautiful!!

What a special present to give!