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・Cancellation of donation applications and changes or returns of return gifts are not possible. Please understand in advance. The "Kikumaro Kokeshi Workshop" in Oizawa, Nishikawa Town, Yamagata Prefecture, is a workshop for Yamagata-style kokeshi, passed down to the present by the founder's grandson, Mr. Kikuhiro Shida. In 2020, Mr. Kikuhiro's daughter, Kaede, also began presenting her works as a craftsman, drawing attention to a world of creative kokeshi. Kokeshi undergo various processes from drying and cutting the wood to painting, and the warmth felt in each piece, with its unique expressions, has gained popularity. The rustic texture of the wood and the charming expressions have led to the emergence of young women who love and collect handmade kokeshi from Tohoku, known as "Kokejo," gradually increasing the number of collectors.
● Cat with Octopus
The origin of "Cat with Octopus" dates back over 200 years to the traditional clay dolls of Yonezawa: Sagara dolls. With permission from the 8th generation of Sagara dolls, craftsman Kaede creates this popular cat-octopus kokeshi with a sense and distinctive color use. The octopus in "Cat with Octopus" symbolizes "good fortune" and "attracting good things," while the cat is considered a good luck charm for "chasing away mice." Together, they form a super lucky charm. *The photo is for illustration purposes. Each handmade item may vary in finish. *As it is handmade, delivery may take about one month. (Depending on production conditions, it may take 2 to 3 months. Please understand in advance.)
■ Inspiration from the Nature of Nishikawa Town
Nishikawa Town is a treasure trove of nature. Among them, the Oizawa area is surrounded by the Asahi Mountains, Gassan, and the Sagae River, an area of beautiful mountains and clear waters. The "Kikumaro Kokeshi Workshop" is located here. From traditional Yamagata-style "kokeshi" passed down from the first generation craftsman Kikumaro to the original "creative kokeshi" overflowing with personality and originality, it is produced by the father-son duo of Kikuhiro Shida and Kaede Shida. The designs on the creative kokeshi