Japanese Kokeshi Dolls
Learning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Japanese Kokeshi Dolls using drawing techniques in class
- Use shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), color combinations (analogous, complementary, monochromatic), and line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) inspired by Multidisciplinary Artist (1962-Present) Margaret Kasahara
- Use decorative techniques (ornamental, motif design, folk art, calligraphy) and design principles (composition, repetition, variation) based on Contemporary Art
- Define Kokeshi Dolls (a traditional handmade Japanese wooden toy or ornament characterized by a cylindrical body and enlarged, round head with no arms or legs)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. Women Of Influence (2012) Margaret Kasahara
2. Read Kokeshi Dolls And Japanese History by Cincinnati Asian Art Society
3. Discussion Questions "Did you know floral and linear patterns painted on the kimonos of Kokeshi Dolls have been passed down through generations of Kokeshi makers? Did you know each design is distinctive to the area where they are made? Did you know traditional Kokeshi are simple in design with round heads and cylindrical limbless bodies? Did you know historical records indicate that Kokeshi dolls originated in the cold remote Tohoku region of Northern Japan during the late Edo Period? What is the difference between traditional dolls identified as "dento kokeshi" and contemporary dolls "sosaku kokeshi"? How did the artist use facial expressions, lines, and painted clothing to give a doll personality? Will you use. traditional colors or modern style for your doll design?"
Lesson Activities
1. Choose 12" X 15" Drawing Paper
2. Use basic shapes (circle, triangle, oval, rectangle, square) to draw the positive space (foreground, middle ground, doll) of the Japanese Kokeshi Dolls
3. Add types of pattern (swirls, dots, waves, semi circles) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, dress) of the Japanese Kokeshi Dolls
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Japanese Kokeshi Dolls for Assigned Tables
2. Someone Like You (2012) Margaret Kasahara
3. Discussion Questions "Do you notice how traditional Kokeshi Dolls are built with a round head and straight, cylindrical body? Did you know that Kokeshi Dolls started over 150 years ago in the Tohoku region of northern Japan? Who were the dolls originally designed for? Did you know in Japanese tradition, Kokeshi Dolls are given as symbols of good luck, friendship, or a wish for a child's healthy growth? What positive wish or message does your doll carry? Why do artists sign the bottom of the doll? What "artist signature" or symbol will you paint on the bottom of the doll? What do you think this doll is made out of? How do you think it feels to hold?"
Lesson Activities
1. Add patterns (stripes, swirls, dots, lines) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, doll) of the Japanese Kokeshi Dolls
2. Use color combinations (metallic colors, warm colors, neutral colors) to fill in the positive space (foreground, middle ground, doll) of the Japanese Kokeshi Dolls
3. Use color combinations (metallic colors, warm colors, neutral colors) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Japanese Kokeshi Dolls
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Japanese Kokeshi Dolls for Assigned Tables
2. Set Up Studio Area (paintbrushes, permanent markers, scissors, glue sticks)
Lesson Activities
1. Add highlights (reflective light, light source, highlights) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, dolls) of the Japanese Kokeshi Dolls
2. Add shadows (reflective shadow, cast shadow, shadow) to the negative space (background) of the Japanese Kokeshi Dolls
3. Add patterns (stripes, swirls, dots, lines, to the negative space (background) of the Japanese Kokeshi Dolls
Artist Examples
Student Examples
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