Kokeshi are traditional Japanese wooden dolls from the northeast of the country. But they have never looked quite like this! The Kokesu Kokeshi Chess Set is such a brilliant idea you may wonder why no one thought of it before. Produced in Aomori Prefecture and developed by local high school students, there are two versions. The standard version has two sets of pieces that are partially machine-made while the deluxe version is the real deal: pure Japanese craftsmanship, with each individual piece carved, painted and finished by hand. The deluxe version comes with a special wooden case that doubles as a chess board. The standard version has a traditional cloth called a furoshiki that can be laid out as the board for playing on.
The Kokesu Kokeshi Chess Set features:
- Versions: standard, deluxe
- 32 pieces
- Size of pieces: around 7cm (2.8")
- Deluxe version includes completely handmade pieces
- Standard version: includes partially machine-made pieces
- Standard version has furoshiki cloth for a board
- Deluxe version has a box with a board printed on it
- Made to order: allow two weeks for manufacture (standard version), one month for manufacture (deluxe version)