Japan and all its Wunderment...

I have always had a sweet fascination with the Japanese culture....in fact, I am almost positive I was a Geisha in a former life. [I'd love to do past life regression someday soon to confirm this.]

When I was a young girl, I had a pair of those Japanese wooden clogs or Geta.

Geta are made of one piece of solid wood forming the sole and two wooden blocks underneath with a thong that goes between the toes at the front. Geta were not for fashion, but to keep a kimono from touching the ground.

Normally, it takes significant practice to walk in Geta safely and elegantly, but for me as a 7 year old girl, it was if I was born wearing them. I never took them off, wearing them with shorts, pants and skirts. Even now, I have a pair...granted they are a modern day version made of rubber, but they are super kewl...just not great for wearing on the streets of NYC.

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For my last Art show, entitled "Bound" I did my version of the Kokeshi doll made in clay.
The name 'kokeshi' itself is thought to derive from a combination of names given to the wooden dolls in the various areas of their manufacture. In addition to being ornamental, they are also seen as charms to prevent fires or even ward off evil.

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"Hiroko Bound" was the first Kokeshi I did and to this day remains one of my all time favourites. As you can tell, it's not a traditional Kokeshi, but my avant-garde version.

Bound by Beauty.
Bound by Silence.
Bound by Emotion.
Bound by Society.
She cannot be kept.

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I also sculpted smaller Kokeshio dolls in the more traditional style, painted them, wrapped them in exquisite Japanese papers and placed them in dioramas. Note: The dioramas below will be taken out of my store in the next week to make room for new items. If interested, please contact me.

Noriko and Mika Stop to Smell the Roses
On sunny Spring days, pretty Noriko loves to go for walks. Her sweet little bird Mika loves to go with her. Along a pebble path, they discover a pink rose, which has just fallen. They stop to admire its Beauty and relish in its delights. [left]





Kiyoko Walks in the Garden
Sweet Little Kiyoko so happy in her garden with the green grass between her toes! [right]

Tamiko Amongst the Sakura
Tamiko loves to meditate amongst the cherry blossom trees {Sakura} in her garden. She feels most at peace amongst the beauty of nature...with a flower in her hair and a song in her heart. <3>

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So, given my fascination with all things Japan, I was pleased to see that I was featured in Msutil's current treasury entitled "JAPAN"
Msutil is from Madrid, Spain and makes super sweet jewelry. Please check out her shop!
Thanks, Msutil!