Description
- About this item
- Kokeshi, are Japanese dolls, originally from northern Japan. They are handmade from wood, have a simple trunk and an enlarged head with a few thin, painted lines to define the face. The body has a floral design painted in red, black, and sometimes yellow, and covered with a layer of wax. One characteristic of kokeshi dolls is their lack of arms or legs. The bottom is marked with the signature of the artist. Kokeshi were first produced by kijishi, artisans proficient with a potter's wheel, at the Shinchi Shuraku, near the Tōgatta Onsen in Zaō from where kokeshi making techniques spread to other spa areas in the Tōhoku Region. It is said that these dolls were originally made during the middle of the Edo period (1600–1868) to be sold to people who were visiting the hot springs in the north-east of the country. "Traditional" kokeshi dolls' shapes and patterns are particular to a certain area and are classified under eleven types, shown below. The most dominant type is the Naruko variety originally made in Miyagi Prefecture, which can also be found in Akita, Iwate, and Yamagata Prefectures. The main street of the Naruko Onsen Village is known as Kokeshi Street and has shops which are operated directly by the kokeshi carvers. "Creative" kokeshi allow the artist complete freedom in terms of shape, design and color and were developed after World War II (1945). They are not particular to a specific region of Japan and generally creative kokeshi artists are found in cities. The woods used for kokeshi vary, with cherry used for its darkness and dogwood for its softer qualities. Itaya-kaede, a Japanese maple, is also used in the creation of both traditional and creative dolls. The wood is left outdoors to season for one to five years before it can be used. ›See more product details
The lamps are constructed with washi which is a kind of handmade paper of good texture, durability and translucence. The word "washi" is composed of "wa" which means "japanese," and "shi" which means "paper". It refers to Japanese paper handmade using traditional methods, derived from the ancient art of papermaking. The washi is achieved with very fine handwork. This paper has been used for centuries in Japanese homes for their ability to filter the light, softening the intensity and creating subdued lighting. The washi is traditionally produced using vegetable fibers from bamboo, hemp, rice, mulberry and other local plants. Since 2014, the washi has been associated in the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. ******** A special first rate, high-quality washi is used. The lamps are completely handmade by Shino Iwamura, from the conceptual drawings to the coloring by hand. LED candle included. To avoid shipping problems, the batteries are not included. The quality of each lamp is absolutely guaranteed! (^_^) WARNING The lamps MUST NOT be used with real candles. DIMENSIONS Height 26 cm / 10.2 inch --- Diameter 12 cm / 4.7 inch ******** I use high quality materials and I guarantee that with my professional means of production, the products will maintain their original quality and design. The greatest satisfaction of doing this job, is knowing that there are people around the world who purchase my products, places that I will probably never visit. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me (^_^)
