Kokeshi Tree

Kokeshi / Japanese kokeshi doll

A highly stylized autumn tree inhabited by Japanese kokeshi dolls. In this artwork, the artist Anna Maia found her inspiration in both the art and handicraft of Japan and Sweden. The leaves in the tree are inspired by Swedish designer Stig Lindberg (1916-1982) and old Swedish embroidery. You can read more about Stig Lindberg here

Kokeshi dolls are part of the Japanese folk art handicraft tradition. The tradition of Kokeshi doll making has been developing in Japan since the Edo period (1603-1868). The creation of these wooden dolls started in the north of Japan, in the mountainous Tohoku region, a hot springs area. At first, they were made as teething toys for babies and with time became popular amongst the tourists of the hot springs. Soon they became popular souvenirs to bring home.

The shape and patterns of traditional Japanese Kokeshi Dolls are classified under eleven types. The most dominant type is the Naruko kind. After World War II a new style of Kokeshi making started to emerge. These types of dolls are called Creative Kokeshi and the artist has total freedom when creating the shape, pattern and colours. You can read more about Traditional Kokeshi and Creative Kokeshi here and here.

The artist Anna Maia is a huge fan of Japanese handcrafts and especially kokeshi dolls. Her Kokeshi collecting started in the year 2009.

Number five in a series of graphic prints by Anna Maia, featuring traditional Japanese patterns and objects.

Printed on matt high-quality paper. Signed and numbered limited edition of 50 copies. Each individual print is stamped with the artist’s personal read seal (Hanko).