Free Downloads Kokeshi: Wooden Treasures Of Japan
This gorgeous new 232 page book - the only comprehensive book on the subject in English and in print - captures the charm of these wooden treasures with 224 full color plates of the very best examples of both traditional and creative Kokeshi dolls from all regions of Japan. The cover is unusual and has the look and feel of hand-crafted binding (Purfect Bound). Size: 6-9/16” x 11” x 3/4”. Kokeshi: Wooden Treasures of Japan, is a modern exploration of a folk craft two centuries old. This timely publication reflects both the growing interest in Japan and Japanese culture in the West, and the rediscovery of folk art, traditional crafts and culturally unique handmade objects. Beyond simple visual charm, the book presents an entirely new way of appreciating Kokeshi. By exploring the variety, diversity, and historical uniqueness of Kokeshi, the dolls become - beyond a delight to the eye - an important representation of a culturally rich and creative society. Familiar examples along with rare and lesser-known dolls are presented according to traditional or creative association. Special attention is given to dolls of the ten traditional Kokeshi families, as well as creative dolls depicting popular folk legends and figures. Kokeshi by representative artists, and regional and religious dolls are also included. To complete this publication, artists’ marks, signatures and places of origin are illustrated. This book is an essential reference for the serious collector, and a fascinating education for anyone interested in folk dolls, traditional arts, or Japanese culture. This book received an award by the Independent Publishers Association for 2005.
Paperback: 232 pages
Publisher: Vermillion Publishing; 1st edition (April 1, 2005)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0975957007
ISBN-13: 978-0975957004
Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 6.6 x 0.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #124,464 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #3 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Antiques & Collectibles > Dolls, Toys & Figurines > Dolls #7 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Antiques & Collectibles > Art #11814 in Books > Arts & Photography
I go to extreme length to find informative publications on Japanese dolls, and a friend presented me with this exciting new publication. The authors have threaded throughout the text, oversized photographic images of individual Kokeshi, often with the marks of the makers incorporated into the design. This links visual information to content while honing the collector's eye. I take my book to every flea market to support my buying of these wonderful Japanese dolls.
Kokeshi: Wooden Treasures of Japan, a Visual Explorationoffers both a beautiful object in its own right and a clarifying history of the dolls, leavened with nuances of cultural history and custom. For the general reader the book offers many delights, and for the specialist collector of Kokeshi, the images and marks will aid them for years to come.
an attractively designed and beautifully bound volume. maybe not as encyclopedic as one might hope, but the only book on the subject I could find! my mother collected these dolls in Japan in the early 1970's but I was clueless about them, even after Googling, so was very pleased to find the book briefly on sale from mingiearts.
Finally! A quality Kokeshi book in English! I am so happy I found it. I have quite a few Kokeshi dolls. If I had had a book like this it might not have taken me so long to figure out what to buy. Eventually I did learn a lot on my own, but I still tend to buy what I like and the unique. I don't buy them because I want to have a valuable collection. I buy them because I love them and if some happen to be rare and sought after; that's great!No, this book isn't everything a Kokeshi lover could want or need, but it is a great start. I will be buying their newer book soon.
I can't tell you what a pleasure it was to receive this book! This book was created by two gentlemen who know and understand the various forms of Japanese folk arts, having collected many items while traveling extensively in Japan. Both Mr. Wolf and Mr. Evans have backgrounds in Architecture and Graphic Design. The pictures of kokeshi are well done and include small insets of the artists' signatures , which elevate this book to a must-have for anyone interested in collecting and and understanding the nuanced differences of these delightful dolls. There aren't many books on this subject and even fewer in English, so this is the one to have!
I fell in love with Kokeshi and started a small collection though I knew nothing about them. This book gives me confidence as all of the ones I have are represented in here with stories about how they were made.... which is so helpful. I am an artist and though I appreciate the front cover visually I would not say it makes for easy page turning.
This is a real old treat for any Kokeshi collectors. For me it reads mainly as a visual reference and is extremely articulate in its choice and variety of traditional and artistic-traditional styles of representation.The publication is on wonderful thick paper with photos are of excellent quality and generous size which really gives you a sense of the wood . paint finishes and textures which make such a visual-tactile craft exciting and seductive.The book design itself also deserves an award.Treat yourself !
I use this book as a reference guide while identifying the kokeshi in my collection. So far, it is the only one I have found that is written in English. I wish it had more information still. The photos are great and a a big help as well.
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