Maintaining your kokeshi

If your kokeshi comes in contact with water, their makeup can easily get blurred, and the same might happen when they are touched by sweaty hands. When kokeshi are exposed to direct sunlight or a fluorescent lamp for a prolonged time, their colours will fade. The same can happen due to aging. There is also a risk of mold developing when your kokeshi is stored in a moist area. Therefore, it is recommended to store them outside of direct sunlight and in a ventilated place. However, the fact that the wood and makeup of your kokeshi starts to change over time could also be seen as unique characteristic to enjoy. And if you polish them lightly with a dry cloth when you feel like it, they will start shining again and your affection for your kokeshi might even grow.