Playing with Kokeshis こけしの遊び

I have debated in the past whether or not kokeshis are really dolls. After all, we kokeshi enthusiasts consider them to be folk art objects of significant value and worthy of serious study. They are to be displayed, not touched and dressed up like some common Barbie. A couple of weeks ago Naoko sent me a photo of our younger daughter Emily playing with our large kokeshis, and as far as she is concerned, yes, they are dolls that should be dressed up in clothes. Ah, kids.