Kokeshi dolls: More Than a Pretty Face

Traditional kokeshi ningyo are Japanese dolls with a colourful history and controversial reputation.

Traditional Kokeshi

They have been associated with miscarried babies and infanticide. They were guardians of children and keepers of their souls. Today, the word kokeshi is even used as a sexual innuendo.

Kokeshi were originally souvenirs for Japanese tourists and offered entertainment to children. However, they developed into something much more. The dolls are fascinating, shocking, sad or mundane depending on the perspective.

Kokeshi available at FurugiStar

During the Edo period, kokeshi were the guardians of children and keepers of their souls. The dolls would watch over their child owners as they grew up and keep them from harm.

Naruko type kokeshi have a head which can be twisted to create a squeaking sound to imitate a child crying. The dolls were perhaps images of the children themselves.

kokeshi available at FurugiStar

On coming of age, as the child grew into adulthood, the young soul would enter the doll and the adult soul would continue on.  The ritual burning of the figure ensured the soul was freed and carried by the smoke back to the mountain from whence it came. For this reason, antique kokeshi from the Edo period are extremely rare.

Kokeshi available at FurugiStar

Perhaps the idea that a child’s soul could be carried in a doll provided some solace for mothers who miscarried. Displaying a doll in the household shrine along side photos of other passed relatives would ensure the child was not forgotten.

It is possible to separate the word kokeshi into two parts: ko (child) and keshi (a conjugation of the verb kesu meaning erase). This led to the speculation that the figures could have been used as memorial objects for women who, in times of great hardship, had to resort to infanticide. In Japan’s history, infanticide has been known in times of extreme poverty.

In fact, the etymology of the word has nothing to do with ‘erasing’ children at all, but is the company name of a manufacturer. Despite this, the idea of kokeshi as symbols of lost children rose in popularity during the 1960s when abortion became more accessible and a contentious issue in Japan.

Kokeshi available at FurugiStar

Something which started as a commercial fad and children’s toy eventually evolved into something symbolic.

Although, these days they are not as popular as they once were among Japanese.

If I bring up the topic of ‘kokeshi’ the younger generation usually respond with a smirk. I was surprised to learn that these days, it is a common euphemism for a sex toy.

Cheeky

Also, the most popular hot spring souvenir nowadays is probably sweets.

Kokeshi are more likely to be found in antique fairs or flea markets and are objects for collectors.

I usually stock a few in my shop. Stop by and take a look.