Creative Kokeshi, Matagoro, 12"

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NAME: Creative Japanese kokeshi

MAKER: Matagoro (family name)

SIZE: 12" (30.5cm)

CONDITION: This is a soft wood doll and is prone to damage. Various small dents, dings and scratches on the front side. The backside has larger dents and dings. A large dent on the lower back was filled in with gold paint (artist correction). A line in the wood that runs just above the bottom in front may be water damage. It is slightly lighter in color below the line.

NOTES: 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 on the 9th generation).

This doll is unique in that it may be a mistake. The hair/head is definitely in the style of the male Matagoro (term for this style doll) but the kimono is that of the female.

This product was added to our catalog on Friday 14 October, 2011.