This beautiful kokeshi wears a red kimono with red camellias. The core, where the heart of the flower is said to reside, is pure white. It’s clear that the artisan loves camellias (they were the favourite flowers of Okamoto Usaburō (岡本 卯三郎) who was the founder of Osaburō Kokeshi).
The doll is from Osaburō Kokeshi, but its exact artisan is not known.
Her name is Sōshun (早春) which means early spring. This is the time of year we see the first flowers popping up, among which the beautiful camellia, the first colours of the year as the plant flowers in late winter and early spring.
The camellia, camellia japonica, tsunbaki (椿) in Japanese, is a deeply meaningful and symbolic flower in Japanese culture. The flower signifies love and admiration, and not in the least divine beauty. It is often associated with longevity and ever-green loyalty (this is linked to the plant’s foliage). In history, it was associated with noble deaths and/or bravery for the samurai.
The camellia pattern is a revered motif in Japan and is widely used in textiles for mainly kimono. You’ll find especially the red Camilla in Japanese art, like the Kokeshi dolls and pottery (eg Kutani ware) often.
She comes in two sizes: S & L, this is the small one.
Her specifications are:
Height: 19 cm
Weight: 280 grams
Materials:
Head: Mizuki (Giant dogwood)
Face: Mizuki (Giant dogwood)
Body: Chestnut
