Kokeshi with sleeves by Genji Yamada

Creative kokeshi decorative doll carved by Gunma´s artist Genji Yamada. The whole piece is carved from mizuki wood, which is very light in colour, almost ivory.

The artist wanted to add unusual elements to the kokeshi, such as the hair tied up high, or the sleeves of the kimono, decorated with hand-painted camellia patterns. These elements, as well as her big eyes, give her a Kawaii, cute look.

The camellia is one of the few flowers that brightens up the cold of winter.

This flower, when it dies down, falls whole from the stem, instead of losing its petals little by little. Because of this, it has been regarded as a symbol of a couple's union beyond death. The sepals are said to represent the man, and the petals the woman.

For the samurai, camellias were considered to be flowers that brought bad fortune, as the flower, when falling whole from the stem, evoked in their minds the fall of heads severed by a katana on the battlefield.

• Origin: Japan
• Height (cm): 12,5cm
• Material: Mizuki wood 

Avoid placing your kokeshi in the vicinity of windows, or shelves lit by direct sunlight, as direct sunlight can cause its colours to fade over time. You should also avoid getting it wet, or placing it in humid places or places with a lot of condensation, or sudden changes in temperature.