Kokeshi Dolls and Furoshki Wrapping

I have loved wooden dolls since I was a very little girl. There is something about a wooden doll that touches my heart deeply. Perhaps it is the energy of the tree still alive in the doll……

I have a very dear friend who is Japanese in origin and Canadian by choice.

Recently, she went back to Japan to visit her parents and help her Mum with a little downsizing.

Her Mum decided that she no longer needed to keep these two Kokeshi dolls that had lived with her for probably more than 50 years.

My sweet friend wrapped them in Furoski wrapping cloths which I also LOVE. I have used the Furoshki method of carrying things since I discovered it about 20 years ago-

Here’s a link to a very useful quick Furoshki tutorial from the Japanese government:

https://www.env.go.jp/en/focus/attach/060403-5.html

The large Kokeshi doll is very heavy and tall- about 14 inches/36 cm. I love that she still has the bark of the tree on her. Her little sister is about 8 inches/20 cm tall and has the ‘See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil’ monkeys hiding behind a bamboo tree. Delightful!

I treasure these elegant old dolls that came around the globe in my friend’s suitcase- what a special gift!