This is a rare Gumma kokeshi by Masae Fujikawa she is titled 'Kikusui'. This literally means "chrysanthemum [and] water". This combination is a Japanese family crest that is historically associated with Kusunoki Masashige (1294-1336), who helped Emperor Go-Daigo overthrow the Kamakura shogunate. He is seen as a symbol of virtue and loyalty.
Kikusui refers to an old legend of a mountain stream whose banks were overgrown with chrysanthemums whose flowers fell in the water. Whoever drank from the stream gained longevity.
Height: 23 cm
Diameter foot: 8 cm
Weight: 989 g.
Style: Creative - Sosaku - Gumma
Signed by the artisan: Yes
Please look at the pictures carefully to assess the condition of the item.
