The doll behind the dolls inside the dolls

A Japanese photographer and poet has donated 15 one-of-a-kind “Kokeshi” dolls, created by modern Japanese craftsmen, to Moscow’s State Historical Museum on Red Square.

The donator, Genqui Numata, believes that Russia’s trademark “Matryoshka” dolls were born from “Kokeshi”.

Numata is the author of numerous articles dedicated to “Matryoshkas”. According to him, Japan’s traditional wooden dolls – “Kokeshi” – symbolize happiness.

First created several hundred years ago, many believe they could have served as a role model for creators of the famous “Matryoshka”.

Meanwhile, director of the State Historical Museum, Aleksander Shkursko, told “Kultura” Channel that “when just looking at traditional Japanese dolls, one can’t help thinking of the succession of cultures. ‘Kokeshis’ and ‘Matryoshkas’ indeed look alike.”