Kokeshi Goddess Kannon- By Kato Kuen - active 1960-90 - Japan

Kato was a priest at the kannon-ji temple on mount koya, japan, and is believed to have been a member of the imperial family. Japanese temples are not only places of worship, but are also used to house and exhibit sacred objects. Buddhists then come to meditate and pray surrounded by these sacred objects. This kokeshi is an example. This kokeshi is in the form of bosatsu kannon (bodhisattva associated with compassion in east asian buddhism). It is soberly adorned with black and gold. The doll contains a personal prayer inside the base. This doll embodies the buddhist philosophy that, in order to attain enlightenment, one must lead a simple and frugal life. Unsigned. A notice on the artist, and on the kokeshis, a certificate, will be given to the buyer. ---- about kokeshis: they were toys for girls, or offered as a token of love or friendship; symbolized the desire to have a healthy child. They would have a talisman function, are modesty, softness. They also have a buddhist origin. Their hairstyles evoking the buddha bun.

Ref. : YA2D45WX