Gifts
Momiji [‘mom-ee-jee'] is a brand of collectible, hand-painted dolls inspired by Asian style and contemporary illustration. Each Momiji has a small space in the base to hide a secret message on a blank piece of folded card which is included with the doll. The dolls are a contemporary form of traditional Japanese Kokeshi dolls.
The charm of these dolls lie in the artistic designs which range from uber-kawaii to harajuku-kitschy. The doll designers incorporate elements from traditional kimonos and origami as well as contemporary themes including manga, anime, fashion, and idoru (idols/pop stars). Plus of course the fact that you can use them to relay secret messages to a friend or sweetheart. Just write your note on a strip of paper, fold it up, slip it in the slot at the base and voila, your secret is safe within the confines of the little doll. The first dolls came out around 2006 and are continually created and retired. Because most of the earlier designs are no longer in production, hobbyists and collectors are consistently on the hunt for those rare pieces. Meanwhile, as the dolls have grown more popular in pop culture, new designs are constantly in the pipeline.
History
Momiji Dolls were originally inspired by traditional folk-art in northern Japan called Kokeshi. These dolls were Carved from spare pieces of wood about 3 inches long and hand painted, they were usually made by farmers. The dolls typically consist of a head and elongated torso representing the body and legs as a single piece. Momiji dolls are different to the traditional Kokeshi dolls in that they are made from resin and contain a small space in the base. inside the base is a small folded card for a secret message or greeting. Momiji dolls are often designed by fresh new designers and are known for their work with colleges and art schools worldwide.
Usage
Momiji Dolls, also known as Momiji Friendship Dolls, are typically given to others to show friendship and love. Giving small gifts is part of the culture of Japan and is known as omiyage. In modern times, they have been given as presents for Christmas. The space in the base is often used to pass secret messages between friends.
Birthday Girl Brand New
Birthday Girl message doll is a member of the Celebration Dolls Collection. She likes Enid Blyton and babycham and says "I collect together every happy wishes and put them in a bundle for you on your birthday. I hope you like them." Momiji are hand painted resin message dolls. Turn them upside down...inside every one there's a tiny folded card for your own secret message. Momiji is inspired by friendship and little kindnesses. It's about filling life with memories and messages.
Best Friends Brand New
Best Friends message doll is a member of the Celebration Dolls Collection. She likes midnight feasts and pillow fights and says "I quite like all my friends but you are the best one. Thank you for being the best one." Momiji are hand painted resin message dolls. Turn them upside down...inside every one there's a tiny folded card for your own secret message. Momiji is inspired by friendship and little kindnesses. It's about filling life with memories and messages.
LittleStar Brand New
Little Star message doll is a member of the Celebration Dolls Collection. She likes caterpillars and pie charts and says "Your twinkles shining so far, you are a little star." Momiji are hand painted resin message dolls. Turn them upside down...inside every one there's a tiny folded card for your own secret message. Momiji is inspired by friendship and little kindnesses. It's about filling life with memories and messages.
Party Girl Brand New
Party Girl message doll is a member of the Celebration Dolls Collection. She likes cuckoo clocks and ping pong and says "Give us a twirl, party girl." Momiji are hand painted resin message dolls. Turn them upside down...inside every one there's a tiny folded card for your own secret message. Momiji is inspired by friendship and little kindnesses. It's about filling life with memories and messages.
Sister Brand New
Sister message doll is a member of the Celebration Dolls Collection. She likes Florence, twiglets and singing in the rain and says "Hey Sister. You really are a top banana." Momiji are hand painted resin message dolls. Turn them upside down...inside every one there's a tiny folded card for your own secret message. Momiji is inspired by friendship and little kindnesses. It's about filling life with memories and messages.
