15 Comments

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.

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Jun 8, 2022Liked by ZM Spalter

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.

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Jun 3, 2022Liked by ZM Spalter

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.

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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.

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Jun 3, 2022Liked by ZM Spalter

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.

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Jun 3, 2022Liked by ZM Spalter

I so enjoyed learning about these treasures. Makes me sad they do not have an apprentice.

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Thank you for this lovely explanation of kokeshi and the mini tour of Jimbocho :)

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