Gypsies in Japan

[kokeshi description]

• artisan : Ken-ichi Nishiyama
• type : Traditional Tsuchiyu Kokeshi
• tall : 26cm(10inch)
• max width : 7cm(2.7inch)
• max circumference : 20cm(8inch)

Nomadic Kokeshi Artisans

It is called "Kijishi" in Japanese who have crafted kokeshi.
They have been so mysterious in Japanese history.
One of the reasons is they 'must' had concealed their identities.



They had been discriminated against because they were nomadic -they have not settled originally. Therefore, when they needed to settle, they had to hide their origin.
Someone says that it is because they had sought for richer wood -the basis of their bread and butter that they had traveled place to place.

Kokeshi as Go-Between

Of course, there is no prejudice to them now. Conversely, they have even become "a kind of idols" among some people as the symbol of "anti-controlled society". I think this is a extreme perspective, but when it comes to "Gypsies in Japan", we have to expect further research on them. Because it may lead to a re-examination of not only folklore but also Japanese history. Anyway, without further discussion, no doubt that this historic anecdote also inspires kokeshi enthusiasts.



We are often afraid of anyone we don't know -"Don't trust a stranger!".
At that time, most people might be also afraid of "strangers" and never get near to them. But the strangers had high skill of woodcrafts and the dolls they crafted was quite different from them - so cute and friendly.



And they both has come to get close each other -as "Strangers at hand are better than relations afar".
Maybe kokeshi had been playing as a bridge between them.