Not only have I never heard of kokeshi (they are adorable), but also, Jimbōchō! 200 bookstores in one neighborhood? Putting it on my life list this very second.
Sarah it truly is a special place. The majority of books are of course Japanese but there are plenty of world and English language offerings available. Also I believe even if you are unable to access a book via a shared language you can still appreciate its beauty. For example though I cannot read Braille, I think books in Braille are really very beautiful. I hope you get a chance to visit. It really is a special place!
Thank you for sharing this. I have seen them but knew very little about them. This was fascinating to read. I so appreciated the links embedded. I could also easily see someone spending a lot of time in the antiquarian book shops.
You're welcome, it's my pleasure of course:) I love that first short film of the kokeshi maker. Very relaxing to watch. And you're right about the antiquarian bookstores. You can appreciate them no matter the language the books are written in. There are a few English language sections in some of the stores but of course the majority are Japanese text and still the beauty of old books is impossible to deny.
I am so moved by this deep dive into Kokeshi! When I first arrived I fell in love with the Japanese baskets. The craftsmanship found in Japan is extraordinary.
Fascinating! When I was growing up in Tokyo, kokeshi were everywhere and we took them for granted. They had headscarves but never hats—that’s new to me.
I have only seen photographs of ones with headscarves. I will be on the lookout for such a type now. Thank you for the insight. I think Okura San’s style is unique but I have seen photos of other Kokeshi with top hats - but you’re right I don’t think hats are common. I haven’t been to a flea market in a little while and I’m excited to see what I can find.
Oh goodness, this might be my favorite OI read yet. I was so fortunate to receive a Kokeshi doll as a gift shortly after arriving in JP, and that sparked my interest as well. Fortunately I grabbed a couple for my gma and other family from an antique pop-up event before I abruptly moved away. Such unique little treasures. Thanks for the walk through this artisan’s experience. Your writing is always a pleasure to read.
Thank you Aunt D. It's been such a treat learning about all these new (to me) things and it's all just too good to keep to myself :) Regarding apprentices, I feel the same. The world is just not set up anymore for anyone to easily and sustainably become an apprentice. But there are a handful of younger folks who are continuing these old traditions, making them their own and doing amazing new things too. Hah, now "That’s the Way of the World" by Earth, Wind and Fire is stuck in my head.
Not only have I never heard of kokeshi (they are adorable), but also, Jimbōchō! 200 bookstores in one neighborhood? Putting it on my life list this very second.
Sarah it truly is a special place. The majority of books are of course Japanese but there are plenty of world and English language offerings available. Also I believe even if you are unable to access a book via a shared language you can still appreciate its beauty. For example though I cannot read Braille, I think books in Braille are really very beautiful. I hope you get a chance to visit. It really is a special place!
So true!
Thank you for sharing this. I have seen them but knew very little about them. This was fascinating to read. I so appreciated the links embedded. I could also easily see someone spending a lot of time in the antiquarian book shops.
You're welcome, it's my pleasure of course:) I love that first short film of the kokeshi maker. Very relaxing to watch. And you're right about the antiquarian bookstores. You can appreciate them no matter the language the books are written in. There are a few English language sections in some of the stores but of course the majority are Japanese text and still the beauty of old books is impossible to deny.
I am so moved by this deep dive into Kokeshi! When I first arrived I fell in love with the Japanese baskets. The craftsmanship found in Japan is extraordinary.
Fascinating! When I was growing up in Tokyo, kokeshi were everywhere and we took them for granted. They had headscarves but never hats—that’s new to me.
I have only seen photographs of ones with headscarves. I will be on the lookout for such a type now. Thank you for the insight. I think Okura San’s style is unique but I have seen photos of other Kokeshi with top hats - but you’re right I don’t think hats are common. I haven’t been to a flea market in a little while and I’m excited to see what I can find.
They didn't all have headscarves. As I recall, most were bareheaded
Oh goodness, this might be my favorite OI read yet. I was so fortunate to receive a Kokeshi doll as a gift shortly after arriving in JP, and that sparked my interest as well. Fortunately I grabbed a couple for my gma and other family from an antique pop-up event before I abruptly moved away. Such unique little treasures. Thanks for the walk through this artisan’s experience. Your writing is always a pleasure to read.
Thank you Jamie I am so glad you liked it! And I agree, I think they make beautiful gifts ☺️
I so enjoyed learning about these treasures. Makes me sad they do not have an apprentice.
Thank you Aunt D. It's been such a treat learning about all these new (to me) things and it's all just too good to keep to myself :) Regarding apprentices, I feel the same. The world is just not set up anymore for anyone to easily and sustainably become an apprentice. But there are a handful of younger folks who are continuing these old traditions, making them their own and doing amazing new things too. Hah, now "That’s the Way of the World" by Earth, Wind and Fire is stuck in my head.
Thank you for this lovely explanation of kokeshi and the mini tour of Jimbocho :)
Thank you Chihiro for reading it! 😊 And I look forward to going back to Jimbocho - it really is a special place.