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Dolls and Kokeshi
<Doll and Kokeshi>

盛岡のこけし

Morioka Kokeshi

盛岡のこけしは南部系と言われています。はめ込み式の頭が首を軸に動くことから「キナキナ坊」転じて「キナキナボッコ」と呼ばれ、元々はおしゃぶりから発展したものと言われています。本来は顔も胴模様も描かないものでしたが、他系の影響もあり、模様も施されるようになり、キクやボタン、ナデシコ、ツバキなど、花を描くことから花巻こけしとも言われています。

Morioka Kokeshi (盛岡のこけし) are traditional wooden dolls from Morioka, Iwate Prefecture, Japan. Known for their elegant, slender shapes, these dolls typically feature a round head and a long, cylindrical body adorned with intricate hand-painted designs, including floral patterns and geometric shapes. The making process involves carefully carving the dolls from local hardwoods, often using techniques that highlight the natural grain of the wood. Artisans then hand-paint the dolls with vibrant colors and fine details, emphasizing expressive facial features. Morioka Kokeshi are celebrated for their artistic quality and are considered a cherished symbol of regional folk art.

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