Kokeshi doll by Masami KATO 1925-2012

Masami was born in 1925, naruko region. She married a traditional doll craftsman named kato sinishi - she participated in the work and trained with her husband. Later, she registered as an independent craftsman. Her great success was "hidamari" or "in the sun" in the 1970s (our copy). Died in 2012. Some marks of use. About kokeshis kokeshi appeared in the 1820s-40s (end of the edo era). Originally, they were made from scraps of wood by craftsmen and farmers and sold to people in the city. The oldest have a bowling pin shape and can 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 They are originally made of wood (cherry, pear, maple).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 a token 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 feminine forms. They are, modesty, discretion, femininity, feminine ideal. Their bun is an evocation of buddha. A certificate, as well as a detailed explanation on the art of kokeshis will be given to the purchaser.