TALL VINTAGE KOKESHI by NOZAWA KAORU

 Nozawa, Kaoru was born in 1930-. There is little information for this kokeshi artist except that she had won some awards. Historically, the Japanese have been very modest people. Japanese artists, in particular, even though some kokeshi may be unsigned the public could recognise the artists through a specific style and the artists’ unique personalities. As collectors, it is important to represent all Traditional and Sosaku Kokeshi, whether or not there is a written account of this artist’s life. 

This kokeshi is 33cm tall with artist's hanko stamp on the bottom. The expression on the face is sweet & serene with the use of his ‘one-stroke eye’, (Hitofude-me), her elegant and innocent face is framed with long hair running down her shoulders. The carving of the doll is used to texturize her bob style hair treatment and various elements of the Kimono, as well as hand painted detail of blossoms and a band at her low waist to represent an obi.

This doll is in very good condition with an aged patina.