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Japan is known for celebrating all things adorable.
The countryskawaii cultureis believed to have begun after World War II, when famously cute characters adorned countless products.
What isKokeshi?
Photo:Stock Photosfrom AOME1812/Shutterstock
Kokeshi is a handmade wooden doll.
The art of kokeshi originates from the hot spring mountain villages in the Tohoku region of northeastern Japan.
The kokeshi craftsmen saw an opportunity to produce their wooden dolls as souvenirs.
Photo:Stock Photosfrom Pangni/Shutterstock
How Are Kokeshi Dolls Made?
Photo:Stock Photosfrom Pangni/Shutterstock
The skills needed to craft kokeshi is traditionally passed down through the family line.
Thesons of kokeshi masterstypically become apprentices and learn the craft from their father in their own homes or workshops.
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This new generation of artists learn everything they need to know under the guidance of a kokeshi master.
Kokeshi dolls arehand-carved on a lathe, using mainly dogwood or cherry wood.
Woodworkers use a variety of chisel-like tools to carve out the curves and shapes of each doll.
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Once the wooden base is complete,paintis delicately applied using asoft weasel-fur brush.
Finally,waxis applied to seal-in the design.
Watch the entire process for making a kokeshi doll.
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Their most distinctive feature is the way that they squeak when you turn their head.
Their bodies are also decorated with chrysanthemums, but they sometimes feature a spray formation of flowers.
The museum features a studio in which visitors can meet apprentice kokeshi makers and be guided through the process.
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There is also a sub-genre of kokeshi called creative kokeshi that evolved after World War II.
These non-traditional wooden dolls often feature Western clothing , rich colors, and carved hairstyles.
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