Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi entitled: “Shuen | Past” by Katase, Kaihei

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Dimensions: 9-1/2”h

A seldom-seen form this Kokeshi reflects the arrival in the 18th century of the Dutch East Indies Trading Company Japan. At the time, the Dutch maintained a trading post on Hirado, an artificial island off the coast of Nagasaki. During this period, the Dutch were the only Europeans allowed into Japan, and as a result, had a major influence on how the Japanese interpreted life and styles of dress. 

This beauty is a wonderful representative example of the European interpretation of a black up-flipped hair styling that became very popular throughout Japan. Being totally lathe-turned, this beautifully form doll is beautifully lacquered, with a textured body in multiple colors of vermilion, yellow and black. A simple sash is incorporated to complete the interpretation of the garment. Her face is simply delineated with sumi-e’ details. The bottom of the doll has an etched script name of the doll and signature by the artist.