Vintage, RARE Traditional Nemariko Narugo Kokeshi by Okazaki, Yasuo

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Dimensions: 12-0”h

This Kokeshi was made by Okazaki, Yasuo, (b. 1954-), and has a short, rotund style, and differs from the Ejiko dolls by being taller than they are wide, with bangs set wide apart being its definitive feature. The head has side fringes, a single eyelid, and a cat nose. In this case, two elongated black and gray Chrysanthemums blossoms fill the lower front portion of the body. We also see ‘Rokoru Moyo’ circular treatment incorporated to create an impression of the collar, and frames the decorative portion of the Kimono. It is made of one solid piece of wood, the head will turn and squeak, supposedly like a baby crying, just as their larger sister models do. This piece is not hollowed out to contain toys as some others were for storage of miniature toys. This particular doll is made of dogwood, (mizuki), which was the preferred wood at the time, so as to emphasize the beautiful detailed floral motif, and is finished with a natural colored candle wax, (Rosoku no ro). The piece is signed by the artist on the bottom.

Condition: Excellent, original condition, with no fading or loss of color and consistent with age. The piece meets all the standards of collectible Folk Art.