Jacob Hodsdon and Lisa Holt-Hodsdon
Kokeshi dolls

Looking for the natural movement of the wood, each Kokeshi doll is made with love by Jacob Hodsdon and Lisa Holt-Hodsdon from Ithaca, N.Y.  Lisa specializes in painting and design, influenced by her travels and from American and Japanese cultures. Jacob has been wood turning for many years and draws his inspiration from nature and the beauty of wood. The Hodsdons have recently been featured in the Art Doll Quarterly Magazine!

Kokeshi are Japanese wooden dolls traditionally made for children, but are becoming increasingly popular amongst collectors. It is said they were originally sold to visitors to hot springs in the Tohoku region of Japan during the late Edo period to supplement business and keep workers' hands busy during the winter months. Many people also believe the dolls were originally exchanged as tokens of friendship, with messages concealed within.