By Patricia Belyea
When I saw my first Nakanosawa kokeshi, I was wide-eyed with wonder—I had never seen anything like them.
Traditional Japanese kokeshi dolls usually have demure, understated expressions. In contrast, Nakanosawa kokeshi feature strong, captivating gazes. Their wide eyes are often accented with pink circles. And their heads are larger and more rounded in proportion, giving them a soft yet striking presence.
This style of kokeshi is rare. With only a few living kijishi (master woodworkers), these folk art dolls have become true collector’s items.
For years, Okan Arts has quietly gathered Nakanosawa kokeshi. Now, with the impending closure of our online Japanese Textile Shop, we are offering our collection for sale.
Victoria photographed the dolls in Noguchi Garden, a hidden gem of modern landscape art in Costa Mesa, California. The stark landforms serve as a perfect foil for these dramatic, expressive dolls.
