Design unit hitoe (hitoe Co., Ltd.) (Shibuya-ku, Tokyo) has announced the release of single-flower kokeshi vases, each one handcrafted by skilled artisans and featuring natural grass dyeing.
The kokeshi dolls are created by a master woodturner in Hachioji who has been crafting "Tokyo Kokeshi" for over 40 years. These pristine white kokeshi are then given beautiful colors through natural plant dyeing by artisans at their atelier and shop in Kuramae, Taito-ku. The combination of these two crafts has resulted in gentle kokeshi vases perfect for displaying flowers.
The "Tokyo Hana Kokeshi" (Tokyo Flower Kokeshi) is available in three colors and two sizes with a simple yet distinctive presence. Each vase features a rounded shape with a characteristic ring around the neck.
Carefully Handcrafted "Tokyo Hana Kokeshi" by Master Craftsman Okura
The "Tokyo Hana Kokeshi" is created by Mr. Okura, a woodturning craftsman in Hachioji who produces festival ritual implements, decorative items, everyday goods, and is also the creator of "Tokyo Kokeshi." Using beautiful, bright white Mizuki wood from Okutama, each kokeshi is carefully carved by hand. For these single-flower vases, meticulous craftsmanship is applied to every detail, from the head to the hole for the glass water tube and fine finishing touches.
The ring around the neck is a signature feature of Tokyo Kokeshi called the "Happiness Ring." Mr. Okura named this ring with wishes for happiness, and it's carved from a single piece of wood through masterful technique.
The transformation from a single piece of wood through skilled handwork and intense concentration is truly remarkable.
Gentle Natural Colors Without Paint: Enjoying the Hues of Plants
Maito Design Works operates an atelier and shop in Kuramae, Tokyo. They sell original products, primarily apparel, using grass dyeing techniques with seasonal plants. When considering how to dye these single-flower kokeshi vases, we visited Maito Design Works' representative Komuro. Through discussions about suitable dye colors for wood and the meanings behind different hues, and after repeated trials, we created these indigo and madder pieces.
Even with indigo alone, there are various dyeing methods and many names for different shades depending on the intensity. Achieving deep indigo requires repeated dyeing, a time-consuming process. Similarly, madder requires repeated dyeing in the decoction until the desired color is achieved. For these kokeshi, the colors are "Koiai" (deep indigo) and "Akeiro" (scarlet), with deep, rich tones achieved through repeated hand dyeing, one by one.
Charming Single-Flower Kokeshi Vases That Blend Into Daily Life
The single-flower kokeshi vase comes in three colors (indigo, madder, and white) and two sizes. These charming kokeshi are perfect as accent pieces for your entrance or table, adding color to your daily life.
Product Details
- Kokeshi White (Shiro), Small: ¥4,400 (tax included)
- Kokeshi Indigo (Ai), Small: ¥4,620 (tax included)
- Kokeshi Madder (Akane), Small: ¥4,620 (tax included)
- Kokeshi White (Shiro), Large: ¥4,750 (tax included)
- Kokeshi Indigo (Ai), Large: ¥4,950 (tax included)
- Kokeshi Madder (Akane), Large: ¥4,950 (tax included)
