Momiji Dolls
 | |
| Type | Doll |
|---|---|
| Company | MomijiHQ Ltd |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Materials | resin |
| Official website | |
Momiji [‘mo-mee-jee’] is a brand of collectible, hand-painted dolls inspired by Asian style and contemporary illustration. Each Momiji has a small space in the base to hide a secret message on a blank piece of folded card which is included with the doll. The dolls are a contemporary form of traditional Japanese Kokeshi dolls.[1][2]
History
[edit]Momiji Dolls were originally inspired in 2005 by kokeshi, a variety of wooden doll traditionally made in Northern Japan.[3] These dolls were carved from spare pieces of wood and hand painted. They were usually made by farmers.[1] The dolls typically consist of a head and elongated torso representing the body and legs as a single piece.[1] Momiji dolls are different from the traditional Kokeshi dolls in that they are made from resin and contain a small space in the base. Inside the base is a small folded card for a secret message or greeting. Momiji dolls are often designed by fresh new designers and are known for their work with colleges and art schools worldwide.
Usage
[edit]Momiji Dolls, also known as Momiji Friendship Dolls, are typically given to others to show friendship and love.[3][4] MomijiHQ Limited says: Giving small gifts is part of the culture of Japan and is known as omiyage.[1] In modern times, they have been given as presents for Christmas.[5] The space in the base is often used to pass secret messages between friends.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Obaachan, Annie (2008). Amigurumi Animals: 15 Patterns and Dozens of Techniques for Creating Cute Crochet Creatures (illustrated ed.). England: Macmillan. p. 12. ISBN 978-0-312-37820-2. OCLC 156832496. Retrieved 4 September 2010.
- ^ Moore, Heather (16 January 2008). "Elle Decoration South Africa (official blog): Trendtjie 2 - Kokeshi dolls". elledeco.blogspot.com. Retrieved 4 September 2010.
- ^ a b "FINDERS KEEPERS Konichiwa!". Houston Chronicle. Houston, Texas: Jack Sweeney. December 15, 2007. ISSN 1074-7109. OCLC 1607806.
- ^ Lim, Alycia (November 1, 2009). "Doll spreads its love". The Star. Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia: Star Publications. OCLC 663358470. Archived from the original on 22 June 2011. Retrieved 4 October 2010.
- ^ "Choosing gift ideas for your holiday preference". The Daily Times-Call. Longmont, CO: Times-Call Publishing Co. November 26, 2009. OCLC 20551713.