Amazing Photos by Wenmei HIll again =)

 So Wenmei surprised me with some absolutely wonderful photos of her daughter playing with the three dolls she had ordered for her!  These photos are beautiful!

 Her daughter is so precious and has really fallen in love with her dolls.  Her mommy even took pictures of her with them in her bed =)

 Wenmei you have a way of taking the subject of your photos and pulling out the beauty and sweetness, the heart of the people in them.  Your daughter's tender heart is so tangible in these photos!

If you are looking for an absolutely amazing photographer and are in the Seattle area, Wenmei is the one to call.  Check out her site at: http://wenmeihill.com/  Her work is stunning.

And thanks again, Wenmei for letting me post these photos.  I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!

16th Century Samurai

 Do you love the Samurai?  If so, this Kokeshi Doll is for you!  Or maybe one like him, if he sells at my next Show...

This fellow is dressed is the outfit of the Samurai from the 1600's.  He wares the Mon of Tokugawa, the ruling Shogun of Japan from the 1600's to the 1860's.  He is on his way to court to visit the Emperor or Empress.  He holds a fan in his dominant hand (the one he would draw his sword with), thus signifying that he comes in peace.

 On his back, is the Bushido, or "Way of The Warrior".  This was the code of conduct and basic virtues and values of life that the Samurai lived by.  Some of these include:  courage, bravery, compassion, loyalty, benevolence,sincerity, and honor.  His Bo staff is also at his back.  This was one of several staff weapons of the Samurai, and is still used in many martial arts taught today.

 His Top Knot and hair are entirely wood burned, not died or painted.  This took two hours just for the hair!  It really sets it off, though, to have it darkened by heat and pressure.

My husband says he has a bit of a formidable face.  I think that's in keeping with his rank and time in history.  If you know anything about the Samurai and Japanese history, you will know that the era of the Samurai was not always one of peace.  The Samurai had their code of honor, yet were still individuals you would not want to cross in a fight!

This Kokeshi Samurai was an intriguing challenge to make.  He stands 10.5 inches tall with a strong presence all his own.

My Little Kokeshi Boy In His Kimono

 Here is a sweet little boy all dressed up and ready for a formal event in his special Kimono.  He stands just under 4" tall.

The symbol on his coat is the Japanese symbol for "Truth"  He has a very sincere and honest little face and "Truth" is the word that came to me when I was looking him.  I decided to use this for the symbol where a Mon or Kamon would usually go.  He's one of my little favorites!