Custom Kokeshis by Various Well-Known Artists (12 Dolls)

Amy Sol

On July 11th, over 100 artists, including some that we've featured here on theMET, will be showing off their custom kokeshis at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles. Kokeshis are Japanese dolls, originally from northern Japan. They are handmade from wood, have a simple trunk and an enlarged head with a few thin, painted lines to define the face.

It's cool to see how modern artists from around the world are converging around one idea to add their own distinct imprint. It shows how modern art has a way of bringing people together, to share our cultures, and to learn something from one another.

Here's a sneak peak at some of the kokeshis that will be at the show. Which one is your favorite?

Allison Sommers

Camilla d’Errico

Stella Im Hultberg

Tara McPherson

Aline Yamada

Red Nose Studio

dilkathebear

Jennifer Davis

Krista Huot

Eveline Tarunadjaja

Jeremiah Ketner

Japanese American National Museum website
via arrested motion