Black Friday Doorbuster Extra Large Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi Entitled “kantsubaki | Winter Camellia” By Watanabe, Masao Perfect For Gifting [hv93pEuF]

Dimensions: 16-1/2” h

This extremely large and heavy seven-pound doll represents the Winter Camellia which is related to the spirit of depth, self-reflection, and inner strength, symbolizing love, loyalty, and humility — qualities that are highly esteemed in Japanese culture. The  Camellia is also referred to as ‘te plant’, as it is the most common plant in Japan, and is used to make tea. This, then, is the basis as to why Watanabe-san made the camellia a focus of this beautiful creation. This doll is made of one piece of lathe-turned wood on which Camellia flowers are prominently featured sitting on a bed of dark foliage, with a bowed ribbon flowing down the front of her body. The hair treatment is one of Watanabe-san’s signature details. Her forehead has long bangs below the black hair covering her head. Simulated roses are on both sides of her face. She has thick, horizontal eyes, and a red dot for a nose. This doll has won numerous awards. There is a full inscription and impressed stamp identifying the artist. 

The piece was published in the 2022 publication of Sosaku Kokeshi: Celebrating the Major Artists of the Creative Movement. For more information on this artist go to the following link:https://mingeiarts.com/collections/artisan-woodworker-watanabe-masao-1917-2007.

Condition: Excellent, beautifully patinated, lathe-turned creation is outstanding, excellent, impressive, and beautiful. No chips, cracks, breaks, missing pieces, or restoration, and retains its original details and finish. The piece meets all the standards of the vintage collectible Sosaku Kokeshi by Watanabe, Masao.