Celebrate the elegance of traditional Japanese craftsmanship with "Yayoi" by master Seifu Gono, circa 1980’s, a famous creative kokeshi artist best known for his "Daruma kokeshi". This kokeshi is named after the wife of the famous Shogun, Masamune Date, who was known as the "One-eyed Dragon" due to losing his right eye. The body of the doll is beautifully hand-painted with Hagi (bush clover) leaves and has a high-gloss finish which accentuates the asymmetry of the okappa (bobbed hair) style.
 
With this elegant design, the exquisite wooden doll captures a quiet charm, although there is some lifting of the lacquer on the underside of the kokeshi. Please view photographs with care.
 
 
What is a Kokeshi doll?
Kokeshi dolls, originating from the northeastern region of Japan, have been cherished for over 150 years as children's toys. Handmade from wood that has typicaly been dried for 6 -12 months, these dolls feature a simple trunk and head with delicate painted lines to highlight the face. Typically adorned with floral and ring designs in various colours, these dolls are then coated with a layer of wax.
 
Traditional styles of kokeshi dolls are characterized by their long and narrow shape, an absence of arms or legs, and color patterns that have been passed down and preserved. Sosaku (creative) kokeshi, on the other hand, are another style created with free and creative ideas, without being bound to traditional or regional styles. Since the 1950s, makers have signed their kokeshi dolls, often on the bottom and sometimes on the back.