Vintage Japanese Sosaku Creative Kokeshi Doll

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This is a vintage Sokaku Creative Kokeshi doll with large bobo hair style with a small double top knot on … Read more This is a vintage Sokaku Creative Kokeshi doll with large bobo hair style with a small double top knot on her head. Her kimono is decorated with red and white chrysanthemums, a symbol for autumn.Usaburo Kokeshi (卯三郎こけし) refers to a celebrated style of sosaku (creative or modern) Japanese wooden doll. They are crafted by master artisans in Gunma Prefecture, Japan, and are distinguished by their plump bodies, feminine features, and iconic dark bobbed hairstyles. Usaburo dolls differ from the traditional Kokeshi dolls by the elongated shape and colorful kimonos, as compared to the cylindrical and compact shapes of the traditional dolls. The distinctive expressions on the dolls' faces and their heights are heads above. The Usaburo workshop is known for their high quality, handcrafted Kokeshi dolls. Elegance from the elongated shapes and creative designs are hallmarks of the Usaburo workshop.

This doll has a distinctively large head, her hair is like a helmet, brown vertical lines indicate strands of hair. Her downcast eyes with fragile eye lashes , 3 small dots indicating nose and mouth all gave her a very demure look. There are three characters written in Kanji, probably the name of the maker. On the base is a red square seal with characters in seal script, which are not identifiable

Kokeshi dolls are widely popular because they symbolize good luck, protection against evil spirits, and a wish for the healthy growth of children.

The last photo show contemporary Usaburo dolls at a Kyoto Shop in 2024. See less