Kokeshi doll - model "Beatles" - Master Watanabe Masao - 1965 - Japan

Kokeshi doll - rare model "beatles" - master watanabe masao (1917 - 2007) - circa 1965-70 - japan. Wear, shocks, stripes to the hairstyle. This model was created for the arrival of the beatles in tokyo in 1965 during a tour. Our copy seems to be a slightly smaller version than the one on the photo. In this photo the beatles are accompanied by sir joseph lockwood, chairman of emi record england. Master watanabe masao; born in fukushima, is one of the most popular artists sosaku kokeshi (creative kokeshis, as opposed to traditional kokeshis) he started his craft in the 1940s. It is famous for its minimalism and the use of lay surfaces, which add a precious and refined dimension to its dolls. His faces, according to him, depicted the universal theme of "innocence" (mushin). His work is on permanent display at the nuremberg toy museum.

Ref. : X1EX7W4J