Kokeshi Doll Click on photos to enlarge Japanese Kokeshi Doll Size 15cm tall. Material Wood. Design Hananouta (translates as Flower poem) Details Kokeshi dolls were originally made in northern Japan about 200 years ago. Kokeshi dolls were given as a present when a child was born or as birthday presents. They are traditionally made from wood and usually painted in bright floral kimono designs or other traditional patterns. Kokeshi making is a traditional Japanese folk art.