Usaburo Vintage Kokeshi Doll – Everlasting Camellia (21cm/8.2 inches)

Beautiful and bulky vintage kokeshi doll by Master Usaburo. She’s titled 椿寿 (Chinju) which can be translated to “Everlasting Camellia”. 椿 means camellia while 寿 can mean long life and auspiciousness. She’s wearing an elaborate kimono with red and white camellia flowers with dark green leaves. Her hair is gently carved and her obi features Nanten (heavenly bamboo) ornamental plant which is a play of words about turning hardship into good fortune.

Okamoto Usaburo, the founder of the famous Usaburo kokeshi was born in Gunma prefecture in 1917 and started making kokeshi dolls in 1950. He is considered to be a pioneer in the kokeshi world thanks to his original machines that he developed for kokeshi making and the way he revolutionized the carving and burning process by introducing new techniques.
He also explored using types of trees that haven’t been traditionally used before for kokeshi making, such as chestnut and keyaki (thanks to their wonderful grain). After a considerable effort he succeeded in creating marvelous dolls out of them as well as flower vases. He won many prizes for his works, including the prize of the Minister of International Trade and Industry.

In great condition with minor signs of age and use. Comes with the original box and wooden sign.

Height: 21cm / 8.2 inches
Width: 13.8cm / 5.4 inches
Weight: 1.85kg / 4 lbs