1950 Vintage Antique Kokeshi made of Japanese Wood

Hand carved wooden Kokeshi doll made by Usaburo Titled Hitoeobi meaning an obi; Cherry Blossoms award winner made of Paulownia wood. This piece has a unique and unusual triangular form body and created early in Usaburo’s career. The neck and head are lathe-turned and raised from the body, and the remaining form is hand-carved to give it its shape and character. This doll is made of Paulownia wood and is treated using the "yakisugi" technique, a slight burn on the surface, an ancestral technique intended to protect against fire. A true collector's piece of historic Usaburo and authorities claim this doll is a forerunner to his machine-made dolls with the combination of the traditionally designed head and the contemporary carved body is the basis for the piece being categorized as “Transitional”. The paper seal is the confirmation of the award won on this doll. The piece is his signature using white ink on the back. Bought in Kyoto Japan-comes from smoke free pet free home