Thanks for visiting our site!
Kokeshi Japan
Checkout Ebay Auctions For The Cheapest Prices
 |
 JAPANESE CREATIVE KOKESHI DOLLS SITTING in front of A-FRAME & SIGNED JAPAN  US $18.88
|
 Vintage Japanese Japan Wooden Kokeshi Doll 5 Inch Tall FREE US Shipping US $14.99
|
| Powered by phpBay Pro |
Here are some more information for Kokeshi Japan:
You want the best for your children and that includes keeping them safe and happy whenever they're playing. When choosing toys for your tots, you seem to have an everlasting list of choices to make. One of the most crucial ones is the material of a particular toy. While plastic has become the material of choice for many toy manufacturers, wood is a superior material for producing them. Here are some reasons why:
1. Wooden toys are durable.
OK, it's true that some hard plastics are also quite durable now. The problem is that toy companies typically use the cheapest plastics available when producing toys. From the perspective of the company, perhaps this is somewhat understandable. They're concerned about their bottom line and oftentimes must answer to shareholders. The company might also find itself in some tough economic times. Companies often feel the pressure to reduce their production costs by whatever means at their disposal. Using cheaper materials, such as plastic, may seem to be a viable solution. The problem is that this could require you to replace a toy soon after buying it. Not only will a broken plastic toy disappoint your child, but it will also be a burden to your finances.
2. Wooden toys can be cleaned easily.
It's much easier to clean toys that have been manufacture in wood thoroughly, than it is to clean plastic toys. This is basically due to wood being a natural material, while plastic is produced via a chemical process. In fact, many parents have the misconception that they can't clean wooden toys. To clean unfinished wooden toys, a damp sponge is all you need for regular cleaning. Fine-grade sandpaper can help to remove various types of stains. Meanwhile, when cleaning finished wooden toys, a light washing with soap and water is sufficient for regular cleaning. To remove stains, use a 50/50 blend of water and white vinegar.
3. Wooden toys are natural.
This is one of the key health and safety benefits of wooden toys, over plastic toys. Today's plastic toys include several chemicals that could potentially be harmful to your son or daughter. In fact, experts have linked some of the common chemicals in today's plastic toys, to some extremely serious conditions. So while the initial cost of plastic toys is usually cheaper than wooden toys, the potential health hazards are greater. That's why it's advisable to choose toys made of natural products, such as wood.
4. Wooden toys are cost-effective to recycle.
While we can recycle some plastics, that's not the case with the ones often used in children's toys. As a result, such plastic toys become rubbish. After finding their way into landfills, the toys emit various chemicals into the air-creating health hazards long after children have stopped playing with them! And while we can recycle some plastic toys, the process is significantly more expensive than recycling wooden toys.
When choosing the next toy for your child, think twice about choosing a plastic toy. While the low price may seem appealing, the ultimate cost to your wallet, your child's health and the environment means that they're not child's play.
Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who represents a number of UK businesses. For childrens traditional toys, he recommends ChildrensGiftIdeas.com, one of the UK's leading online toy shops.
Kokeshi Dolls: a Toy or a Japanese Tradition?
At first sight, kokeshi dolls may seem like simple toys or decorations for your living room, but in fact they are an essential art form in Japan. These dolls are generally characterized by their lack of legs and arms (some modern designs have simplified arms), along with their colored kimono with floral patterns and geometric shapes.
Kokeshi dolls usually symbolize young girls and they rapidly became well-known for their representation of feminine beauty. Kokeshi dolls are usually female, although male versions are currently becoming more common. These wonderfully manufactured dolls are viewed as tokens of good wishes and love.
The History Behind Kokeshi dolls
In the early nineteenth century within the northern villages of the Tohoku region, kokeshi dolls were manufactured as toys for children, and they were produced from remaining bits of discarded wood. These early Japanese dolls were created by craftsmen who made their living by making other forms of woodcraft, but at some point they began creating kokeshi dolls to be marketed as souvenirs. There were many local hot spring resorts in the area, so it was a good business to sell the kokeshi dolls to the visitors; it is a Japanese tradition to take back home an omiyage (a gift that is brought back home when a person travels). Over the years, this art has been enhanced and a wide variety of technical and artistic variations appeared. Today, there are many schools of kokeshi designs guided by master craftsmen who pass their legacy to other family members, maintaining this tradition throughout the generations.
Kokeshi Doll Types
Regardless of their common characteristics, kokeshi dolls are separated into two standard types: traditional kokeshi and creative kokeshi
Traditional Kokeshi
Traditional kokeshi dolls were initially manufactured by Kijiya artisans in the Tohoku region. They were known as "dento" dolls and they had slim and long bodies without arms or legs, and wider rounded heads. Initially, the kokeshi dolls took a very simple shape with long cylindrical bodies painted with a limited variety of colors.
Modern Kokeshi
Shingata or creative kokeshi, is a more contemporary doll style which gives flexibility to the artist to shape the doll as he chooses; they can possess any style or color. Also, the body and head can be very diverse in form. Creative kokeshi dolls don't adhere to the traditional styles originated in the Tohoku region; their creation is totally free regarding the artwork. A creative kokeshi doll is generally a unique piece, and it might be more costly compared to other type of dolls due to its originality. The craftsmen who produce the creative kokeshi dolls are not from a particular region of Japan, and typically they are located in the cities.
Kokeshi dolls have been an important part of the Japanese traditions and nowadays they are an icon of Japanese culture. The beauty behind these dolls lies in their ever changing design that reflects the current Japanese society. Simple and stylish, kokeshi dolls are not just toys or decorations; they are an expression of dedication and love to an art form that has been present for hundreds of years in Japan.
About the Author
Kenichi loves Japanese dolls. Learn how to make a cute Japanese paper doll for free and fill your life with health and happiness. Get your free guide at his website: The Complete Japanese Dolls Guide. You can also learn about Kokeshi dolls, Japanese gifts, Momiji dolls and more of this Japanese art form.
Will I be giving the wrong impression to my friend?
my friend's birthday is soon and I want to buy her a digital picture frame, a japanese Kokeshi doll (because she really likes japan). I want to also send flowers(also what would be the best type of flowers, not yellow roses because I gave her some already). I just want to say I care for her and will protect her always, but it might seem I like her romanticly.
I would either give her the japanese doll which sounds cool-my step mom has one from Japan. Or you can send her the digital pic frame. If you both have some of the same friends I would put those pics on it. Mix them up put some of you and her and her with other friends. This sounds like a cute gift that has a touch of love.
Good Luck! I would just skip the flowers if you think that she might take it the wrong way.
I know whatever you give her she will love!
ModNation Monday: Gran Turismo Creator Takes a Test Drive!
Big week for ModNation! It’s not everyday that the creator of the biggest racing franchise EVER takes another racing game for a spin … and has a good time doing it! On top of that Air Raid is available to all tomorrow on the PSN! Be on a look out for more great MNR news [...]
Thanks for visiting!
