Sosaku Kokeshi "kannon" Kato Kuen

Sosaku kokeshi of Kato, Kuen (1876-1971 depicting kannon claws on the forehead and a blow on the right side of the head) Kato Kuen was a priest of the Kannon-ji temple on Mount Koya in Japan, and was said to be a member of the imperial family. Japanese temples are primarily places of worship used to house and display sacred objects. Few religious figures are represented by kokeshi dolls as distinct as Daruma, and none have been included in the "traditional" styles. However, "creative" versions appear from time to time, all magnificent in their simplicity and elegance. He began making similar dolls under the name "Samana," later as a monk "Bhikkhu," and was a member of the imperial family. He was assigned to the Kannon-ji temple on Mount Koya, a holy site housing immense monasteries and the starting point for all Buddhist pilgrimages. His dolls were not made until the 20th century. The wheel-turned Kokeshi created by this artist are very limited and specially designed for fundraising and wish-granting purposes. Kato's main Kokeshi creation always depicts Bosatsu Kannon (Kannon-ji Temple), soberly adorned in black and gold, and exudes a serene appearance. She always sports a discreet golden Bandi (religious mark) on her forehead, considered an energy center in the human body, representing the "third eye." Each beautifully carved doll features a pointed nose and a small mouth with black eyes and downward-curling eyelashes, a sign of meditation. Her long, almost veil-like black hair, which drapes the sides of her face, is simply depicted with a "Mage" on top. Her figurines are always carved from cherry (sakura) wood. All dolls contain a scroll containing a prayer or personal wish inside their removable stands. Her Kokeshi doll embodies the Buddhist philosophy that to achieve enlightenment, one must lead a simple and frugal life.