Kokeshi Doll Pincushion

A Cute Kokeshi for Your Needlework

Story

A charming pincushion made with traditional techniques from northern Japan. In snowy Tsugaru, woodworkers started carve small dolls called kokeshi as souvenirs for tourists to the region's famous hot springs.

Kuroishi city of Aomori, the birthplace of Tsugaru Kokeshi, recently founded the Tsugaru Kokeshi Museum to immortalize the region's wood crafts as well as to spur innovation and development on existing themes. We collaborated with the museum to produce this modern, functional twist on the traditional kokeshi doll.

We adopted the traditional sleek shape and bobbed hair of the kokeshi, interpreted in Cohana's signature colors: yellow, pink, green and blue.
Each doll opens to reveal a hidden pincushion and comes with three quality needles from Meboso Hachirobei Shoten.
The doll's base is magnetic to easily pick up fallen pins and needles. 

▼Wool needlepoint. It prevents needles from rusting. 

Producing Regions

Aomiri, Ishikawa 

Producers

Kokeshi Doll｜Kokeshi Doll Studio tsuN'agaru／Aomori

Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture is the birthplace of Tsugaru Kokeshi dolls. They contribute to the development of Tsugaru kokeshi by exhibiting and selling kokeshi dolls, giving production demonstrations, and holding events. They also contribute to establish ties with traditional kokeshi doll makers and artists not only from Tsugaru but also from all over Japan, and is also working to develop Kokeshi dolls into new works of art.

Needles｜Meboso Hachirobei Shoten／Ishikawa

Meboso Hachirobei Shoten was founded in 1575. Hachirobei I created the Meboso needles we know today by applying his own unique twist to the Kyoto lineage technology. The company has been manufacturing and selling needles for more than 440 years and continues to preserve the tradition.

Product Size

All measurements are for reference. Please note in advance that the actual dimensions of the product may slightly vary.

Package Size

Materials

Body: Wood (Mizuki), Wool, Silicon rubber, Neodymium magnet
Needle: Steel

Handling Precautions

• This product is for use only for pins & needles. Please refrain from using this product, as well as the included sewing needles, for any purpose other than the intended use.
• Due to the use of natural wood, there are individual differences in color and grain.
• Due to the humidity-regulating properties, wood shrinks and expands with changes in humidity, joints may become hard to open and close.
• Each Kokesh doll's is hand-painted by a craftsman, so there are individual differences in facial expressions etc.
• The surface of the kokeshi doll is coated. Scrubbing with a wet cloth etc. may cause the coating to come off. We recommend using a dry cloth for cleaning.
• This product has a built-in magnet. Please keep it away from electronic devices such as PCs and cell phones.
• The needle tip is sharp, so please be careful not to lose or when handling.
• Wipe off sweat and grease after use to prevent discoloration and rusting.
• Please be careful not to let the needle get stuck inside the pincushion.
• Keep out of reach of infants.