Kokeshi Doll - Daughter Of Winter - Master Shido Shozan 1932-95 -ko182

This is the large “snow coat” model. circa 1950-60
This doll represents a young girl wearing a Minomushi (snow coat), the artist's favorite theme. The Mino was a woven straw garment worn by mountain people. (see photo at end of slideshow.)
The northern villagers were farmers, silkworm breeders, and traveled in all weathers. These Minomushi were inspired by the slope of the roofs known as “Te o inotte”, (praying hands). The roofs resembling praying hands, because they are sloped to evacuate the heavy winter snows.
Hollow stamp under the base - Good condition.
- Shido liked the combination of different types of wood, in order to create dolls that evoke trees in their texture.
He sought modesty and humility. A small face peeks out from the thick headdress. The Japanese regulate their behavior by reading
in the eyes of others. Thus the doll transmits its serenity through this tiny face of the thick coat.
His works are exhibited at the Toy Museum in Nuremberg.
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  ABOUT KOKESHIS Kokeshi appeared in the 1820s-40s (end of the Edo era).
Originally, they were made from scraps of wood by artisans and farmers and sold to people in the city.
The oldest have a keel shape and may have a movable head with red as the dominant color. They are originally made of wood (cherry, pear, maple). They were toys for little girls, or offered as tokens of love or friendship; or symbolized the desire to have a healthy child. The doll comes from a Shinto communion with nature (forest / wood / landscape). Shinto places links between landscapes and female forms. They are, modesty, discretion, femininity, feminine ideal. Their bun is an evocation of Buddha.
A certificate, a notice on the artist, as well as a detailed explanation of the art of kokeshis will be given to the buyer