# Simplistic Tree Bark Dolls Kyoko Okubo Creates Minimalist Works of Art By Annie Ho | Published 2010-09-13 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kyoko-okubo References: [sweet-station](http://www.sweet-station.com/blog/?p=13223) & [mobilia-gallery](http://mobilia-gallery.com/artists/kokubo/) Kyoko Okubo's [dolls and toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/inedible-doll) are made out of a material called "[washi](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shining-a-light)." "Washi" is traditional Japanese paper that is made out of tree bark, and such papers have been around since ancient China. Featuring the dolls making [different interactions with animals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anima), as well as participating in a variety of activities, these Kyoko Okubo doll displays are definitely interesting to look at. Check out the featured gallery to see these pieces for yourselves. **Implications** - Kyoko Okubo's art work is on the one hand diminutive and on the other hand, able to resonate with intensity. Okubo is certainly an artist that I admire and one to watch out for in the very near future. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.9/10 - Popularity: 11% | Activity: 8% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/toys) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Minimalist Toy Art:** Kyoko Okubo's simplistic tree bark dolls display a trend towards minimalist toy art. - **Washi Paper Revival:** Kyoko Okubo's use of traditional washi paper demonstrates a trend towards the revival of traditional art forms. - **Animal Interaction Art:** Kyoko Okubo's dolls featuring animal interactions display a trend towards animal-influenced art. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Fine Art:** Kyoko Okubo's minimalist toy art has disruptive innovation opportunities in the fine art industry. - **Toy Manufacturing:** Kyoko Okubo's simplistic tree bark dolls have disruptive innovation opportunities in the toy manufacturing industry for creating environmentally-friendly and minimalist toys. - **Traditional Paper Production:** Kyoko Okubo's use of traditional washi paper displays disruptive innovation opportunities in the traditional paper production industry for creating sustainable and unique paper products. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Collaborative Sculptural Art Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neojomon-biomorphic-fantme.md) - [Imaginative Pared-Back Art Supplies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/woset.md) - [Community-Centric Sculptural Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/playful-sculptures.md) - [Miniaturized Product Art Photographs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/small-muji.md) - [Artist-Designed Playable Sensory Scarves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/art-play-silk.md) - [Folded Paper Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clara-von-zweibergk.md) - [Blooming Paper Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kazuhiro-yamanaka-tsubomi-lamp.md) - [Pop Art Legend-Honoring Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/keiichi-tanaami-1.md) - [Whimsical Spirit Art Shows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anima.md)