Kokeshi doll
by Kaoru Kawano
- Medium:
- Woodblock print
- Edition:
- Self-printed
- Source:
- Japanese Art Open Database
by Kaoru Kawano
$500–$4,000. Common subjects: $500–$1,500. Key value factors: Kawano's early death at 49 limits her output. Her dreamlike figure prints are most sought after.
The kokeshi is a traditional Japanese wooden doll — cylindrical body, spherical head, simple painted features — originally crafted in the Tohoku region as a folk toy and souvenir. Kawano renders the doll with the affection and seriousness he brought to all objects carrying folk meaning, its simple form translated into the graphic language of the woodblock with perfect economy. Kokeshi had become popular collectibles and symbols of Japanese folk craft in the postwar period, and Kawano's depiction honors this dimension of their cultural significance.
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Kokeshi doll was created by Kaoru Kawano (川野薫).
Kokeshi doll depicts still life and daily life.
