Vintage Kokeshi By Hideo Ishihara – Omiyamairi (25cm/9.8 inches)

Vintage kokeshi doll by Hideo Ishihara (1929-1999) titled omiyamairi (お宮参り) which means “shrine visit”. Omiyamairi is a traditional Shinto ceremony in Japan for newborn babies. About one month after birth (31 days for boys and 33 days for girls), parents and grandparents bring the child to a Shinto shrine to express gratitude to the deities for the birth of a baby and have a shrine priest pray for his or her health and happiness.

Master Hideo Ishihara (1929-1999) started as a traditional Naruko kokeshi artist. Feeling limited under the traditional design he switched to creative kokeshi and became one of the most influential and prominent artists of his time. He has won over 60 awards including the prestigious prime minister award.

In very good condition with signs of age and use.

Height: 25cm / 9.8 inches