Beatles Kokeshi doll - master Watanabe Masao circa 1965-70 - Japan

Condition: some micro shocks and micro scratches. Some yellowing of the wood - signature of master watanabe. This unusual model was created by master watanabe masao, for the arrival of the beatles in tokyo in 1965. Made by master watanabe from 1965 to 1970. The hairstyle evokes the famous haircut of the musicians, adapted to a sober and elegant doll, with dark cherry red lacquer. Our copy is a 2/3 size version. See photo: presentation of the kokeshi to the beatles and the director of emi record - at the end of the slideshow, the artist in his workshop, on the right an identical doll. - master watanabe, masao|1917-2007 born in the fukushima region - interned in the usa during the war, he enlisted and participated in the landing of 1944. He began his profession immediately after the war. He abandoned traditional dolls, and would become one of the most popular and prolific "sosaku kokeshi" artists (creative kokeshis, as opposed to traditional ones). He is famous for his minimalism and the use of lacquered surfaces, which add a precious and refined dimension to his dolls. His faces depicted, according to him, the universal theme of "innocence" (mushin). His work is permanently exhibited at the nuremberg toy museum. A certificate and a note on the artist will be given to the purchaser. As well as a detailed explanation of the art of kokeshis. Rare detail: it has its original box, on which is written "with the blessing of the prime minister".