Kokeshi By Master Kishi Sadao 1932-88

Large doll in a kimono. Sadao was renowned for his "sozaku kokeshi" (creative kokeshi). He used light-colored wood, playing with subtle decorative motifs. The themes were often childhood and family. Here we have the depiction of a lady in her kimono. ----About kokeshi dolls: they appeared in the 1820s-40s (late Edo period). Originally, they were made from scrap wood by artisans and farmers and sold to townspeople. They were toys for little girls, or given as tokens of love or friendship; or symbolized the desire for a healthy child. The doll stems from a Shinto communion with nature (forest/wood/landscape). They represent modesty, discretion, femininity, and the feminine ideal. Their hair bun is an evocation of Buddha. An illustrated leaflet about kokeshi dolls and the craftsman will be given to the buyer. Minor wear and tear.