Matagoro Japanese Kokeshi #2, Carved, 14-1/4"

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NAME: Carved Japanese wooden Matagoro "kokeshi" doll.

MAKER: Matagoro (family name), signed and stamped on back

SIZE: 14-1/4" (36cm)

CONDITION: Many little holes around the neck, both on the bottom of the head (some on the top) and top part of the body. Probably eaten by bugs. On both the right and left sides of the body are many vertical , long, grooves, again probably bug damage. The front of the doll has two long dents or deep scratches, a very large ding and a huge dent. The wood is very soft and it probably doesn't take much to damage it.

NOTES: Dated on the bottom September 24, 1995 by an owner rather than the artist.

The Matagoro doll dates back several hundred years. A woodworker name Matagoro is said to have carved sugi (Japanese cedar) into a doll form. This form is a predecessor to the traditional kokeshi form known today. Sugi is a soft, grainy, lightweight wood considered by most to be unsuitable for kokeshi making but the skills and the style of the first Matagoro have been passed down through many generations. Currently listed is newer pair made by 9th generation artist Kiyomi Matagoro.

This product was added to our catalog on Wednesday 30 December, 2009.