Kokeshi are traditional Japanese dolls hand-carved from cherry, dogwood or maple that has aged outdoors for five years.
These dolls feature no arms or legs - only the trunk and head are carved, with the head often featuring a small decoration such as a bow or hat. Limbs, clothing, hair and facial details are hand-painted on the wooden body after carving to make each doll unique.
Historians believe these dolls were originally made during the middle of the Edo period (1600–1868), and modern artisans have revived the craft.
The dolls can be stitched in tent stitches and the green background in an Asian-inspired, textured stitch such as Nobuko Stitch or Rice Stitch.
The pattern is worked in 12 colors on 13 or 14 count canvas, and the doll's clothing can be easily personalized by changing the colors.
Finished size: Approximately 10 x 8” when stitched on 14-mesh canvas
Materials needed:
One 16x14" piece of 14 holes per inch Zweigart penelope canvas
DMC Tapestry Wool in light green, medium and light blue, dark and medium yellow, dark and medium red, white, black, gray, light pink (cheeks) and flesh tone.