Kokeshi /Calico Cat

About Kokeshi /Calico Cat

″Necokeshi″ is a cat-shaped kokeshi doll developed by Katomokko to convey the charm of traditional crafts and the excellence of Japanese wood.

Each doll is meticulously handcrafted with attention to size and form, featuring delicate expressions. The hinoki cypress used is renowned for its subtle fragrance, offering a calming effect to induce relaxation.

Katomokko, a woodworking company based in Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture, has a history of about 80 years and is rooted in the city’s past as a port for Kitamae ships. Across four generations, the company has inherited the joinery technique of assembling wooden boards without using metal nails, with their ship chests crafted using this method highly esteemed as art pieces.

However, with the decline in demand for traditional Japanese homes and chests due to changing lifestyles, along with a diminishing number of skilled craftsmen and decreased demand for wood, Katomokko felt a sense of crisis and embarked on developing ″Necokeshi″ to promote the beauty of traditional crafts and Japanese wood to a wider audience.

This product is shaped through a combination of cutting-edge 3D design technology and the woodworking expertise passed down through generations of artisans. Additionally, the wood used is upcycled hinoki that might otherwise be discarded due to reduced use in residential construction, demonstrating environmental consideration. The pleasant aroma of hinoki makes ″Necokeshi″ ideal for interior decoration in various spaces such as doorways, living rooms, or desks.

Its palm-sized design allows it to be displayed anywhere, enabling you to enjoy its adorable expressions and profound character alongside the relaxing scent of hinoki. As an item with connections to Japanese culture, it is perfect for both personal use and gifting purposes.

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