VERY RARE Masao Watanabe Yorokobi Joy 5 Piece Kokeshi Dolls 1965 Contest Entry For Sale

Size
Kokeshi: 2.4–7.5 in. (6–19 cm)
Wooden Base: 14.4 × 10.8 × 1.0 in. (36.5 × 27.5 × 2.5 cm)
Weight: Approx. 4.9 lbs (2,230 g)

Description

This is not simply a set of five individual kokeshi. The five figures are arranged together on a single natural wood base to form one unified scene and composition.
The different sizes and arrangement of the figures give the work the appearance of a family group. It can be interpreted as expressing the joy and bond of a family being together.
The underside of the wooden base bears a handwritten inscription stating:
“1965 – Exhibited at the All Japan Kokeshi Competition – Masao Watanabe.”
This indicates that the work was exhibited at the 7th All Japan Kokeshi Competition in 1965.
The work dates from an early period in Watanabe Masao’s career, six years before he received the Prime Minister’s Award at the All Japan Kokeshi Competition in 1971.
This makes the work particularly interesting as an early example of Watanabe’s creative kokeshi production, before his 1971 Prime Minister’s Award at this competition.
The inscription, the unusual five-figure composition, and the exhibition history make this an exceptionally rare and collectible work.
This appears to be a one-of-a-kind exhibition work rather than a standard production model.
Please note that the head and body appear to be made from different types or tones of wood, resulting in a natural difference in color and texture between the head and body. This is part of the character of the work.

Condition
There are some scratches, stains, and signs of age from long-term storage.
The kokeshi on the right has a crack around the chest area, and the wooden base also has age-related cracks.
This work is over 60 years old and has developed a beautiful character and warmth over the years.
Please check all photos carefully for the condition and details.
The item shown in the photos is the exact item you will receive.

Shipping
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Expedited: FedEx or DHL.

Handling Time
5 business days after payment.

Tracking
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Schedule
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For Buyers in the United States
Import duties are already included in the item price and shipping cost.

For Buyers Outside the United States
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Additional charges may be collected by your local customs authority at the time of import.

Remote Area Delivery
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In such cases, an extra charge of approximately USD $10-$20 may be requested.
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