This is a sosaku kokeshi doll crafted by the renowned artisan Kon Akira (Seiju) from 1960s. Women from families of high rank enjoyed a certain aspect of freedom during the period. These privileged women were well educated in music, poetry, art, fashion, and calligraphy, all part of a Heian woman's education, which gave them more freedom than the general female population.
This lovely doll incorporating Seiju-san’s style of elongated face, which was in style and prized by the Japanese, represents beauty, elegance, and fashion, and complements the long flowing hair worn during the Heian period. Women’s foreheads were emphasized with two black marks, referred to as ‘Bindi’ decoration, (traditionally, the area between the eyebrows), and is said to be the sixth chakra, the seat of "concealed wisdom”, and is said to retain energy and strengthen concentration.
As seen in the upper portion of this figure a layered Kimono is ornamented with blue flowers on a rust-colored Kimono worn for travel. At the bottom of her coat is an opening also displaying the under-kimono. She is carrying an oversized hat in contrasting paulownia wood, and a heavy garment to ward off the chill.
