Kokeshi are simple Japanese wooden dolls with no arms or legs that were crafted at the end of Edo period in the Tohoku region of Japan.
It is said that the origin of Kokeshi was as souvenirs for children produced by the people called “Kijishi”, who made bowls and basins and such, to sell at the town of hot springs, using grid wood.
Today, the traditional Kokeshi are classified into 12 types and are rooted and characterised with special patterns and techniques that match each production area.
The exhibition displays 37 Kokeshi dolls of both traditional and modern patterns. The exhibits were selected from about 4,000 samples at the Tsugaru Kokeshi Doll Museum in Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture.
Notably, there are four Kokeshi dolls made by Japanese artisans which feature Vietnamese culture as the dolls wear Vietnamese royal court costumes, Ao Dai, and conical hat.
The event aims to introduce Vietnamese visitors to the spirit of Kokeshi from the traditional side and enjoy the variety of modern Kokeshi which have been developed to reflect the contemporary culture and trends in Japan.
The exhibition will open for the public for free until June 26 at 27 Quang Trung Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
