Miyagi Kokeshi Dolls

Cutting, Rough Shaping: These kokeshi are made of a type of dogwood. After cutting the wood, the bark is immediately peeled off and the wood is left to season naturally for between six months and a year. Any surplus is then trimmed off before the rough shape of each part is turned on a lathe. In the case of Naruko kokeshi dolls, it is a flatbed lathe.

Finishing the Head and Body: The head and body are finished separately. Without first drawing a single line on the wood, the doll maker fashions them directly with a chisel or gouge, using his fingers and eyes to check the curves and thickness of the wood. Once the required shape is attained, it is rubbed down with scouring rush or sandpaper. The patterning on the upper and lower parts of the torso are then made on the lathe.

Fitting the Head: This is the biggest distinguishing feature of the Naruko kokeshi. The head is attached while the lathe is turning, immediately causing smoke to rise with the friction. Once the head is attached, it makes a squeaking noise when twisted from left to right, but it will not come off because the shape of the plug changes ever so slightly as the wood dries.

Painting: Black is used for the hair and facial features, while the pattern and lines on the body are done in green and red. Quite often, the pattern on what is the kimono of the doll is a stylized representation of a chrysanthemum with layered petals. Peonies, maple and wild pinks are also used. The patterns also vary from one doll maker to another.

Waxing: After the painting is completed, the doll is once again returned to the lathe and wax is applied. This final process picks out the grain of the dogwood and makes it shine beautifully, the beauty of the grain and simplicity of the face really complimenting one another.