Buddhist Kokeshi, Goddess Kannon - By Kato Kuen, Monk Circa 1960.

Origin: Kato-san was a priest at a temple dedicated to Kannon-ji on Mount Koya. This mountain, southeast of Osaka, gave its name to a complex of 117 Buddhist temples. Kato Kuen was a member of the imperial family. He tirelessly turned dolls bearing the image of Kannon (a sort of Our Lady of Compassion.) - This Kokeshi is lightly decorated with black and gold. The doll contains a personal prayer inside the base. This doll embodies the Buddhist philosophy that to achieve enlightenment one must live a simple and frugal life. ------- ABOUT KOKESHIS Kokeshi appeared in the 1820s-40s (end of the Edo era). Originally, they were made from scraps of wood by artisans and farmers and sold to people in the city. The oldest have a keel shape and may have a movable head with red as the dominant color. They are originally made of wood (cherry, pear, maple). They were toys for little girls, or offered as tokens of love or friendship; or symbolized the desire to have a healthy child. The doll comes from a Shinto communion with nature (forest / wood / landscape). Shinto places links between landscapes and female forms. They are, modesty, discretion, femininity, feminine ideal. Their bun is an evocation of Buddha. A note on the artist, as well as a detailed explanation of the art of kokeshis will be given to the buyer