Exclusive sosaku kokeshi by Katase Kahei (1922-2015)

Exclusive sosaku kokeshi by Katase, Kaihei  (1921-2015) titled: “Shoshinsha no sori ~yo | Novice Monk” this kokeshi is from the 60s.

This Sosaku Kokeshi represents a young samanera (monk) who has been accepted into the monastery but has not yet undergone higher ordination. As shown in this figure, the practice of cutting or shaving the hair on the scalp in a pinwheel pattern called ‘Tonsure’, is a sign of religious devotion or humility. Both the hair and body display the use of “Chatter Work”, (Birikan’na), to give texture to each element. The eyes are simple shallow carvings showing a humble child prepared for learning. Young monks were given three garments, inner, lower, and outer. Portrayed is a small child, (a monk, as it were), wearing a brown robe, “civara ”, which means a robe without any symbolic meaning to its color. 

Height: 15cm

Weight: 190g

Please look carefully at the pictures to determine the condition of the kokeshi.