The traditional folk toys of Japan are simple dolls and figurines made from clay, wood, and paper. Known as ‘kyodo gangu’, the delightful little animals and other fanciful creatures used to be given to children to play with, but today these objects have become more coveted by collectors than by young people. Philippe Weisbecker, an artist and illustrator, went in search of Japanese folk toys, learning the craftmanship behind them in traditional workshops. The book includes a page by page reproduction of the author’s notebook, in which he sketched and documented objects he discovered and places he visited, and recorded descriptions and personal reflections during his travels in Japan.

248 p, ills colour, 15 x 21 cm, pb, Japanese/English