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horse above the clouds I

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Made to mark the Year of the Horse in 2026, this wood girl is dressed in a bright and striking pattern inspired by bingata textile designs and a work on paper by textile designer Keisuke Serizawa, a member of the mingei movement in Japan, who learned bingata dyeing techniques in Okinawa. Vibrant cloud patterns mix with mountain shapes in a lively colour palette.

On her head is a tiny carved Dala horse from a production workshop in Sweden - which I have painted to match her colourway.

The Year of the Horse runs from February 17th 2026 to February 5th 2027.

Horses are the seventh animal in the Chinese animal zodiac, coming after the snake and before the goat (sheep in Japan). People born in the year of the horse are said to be free-spirited, energetic and confident - they need room to express themselves and do not like to be stifled. They are intelligent and love exertion - physical and mental. They are also decisive but can be easily swayed, impatient and possess a hot temper - but as they mature and learn to harness this energy they can be unstoppable.

Lucky numbers for horses are 2 and 7 and lucky colours are red, pink and purple.

Artist notes:
My pieces are painted in a naïve and simple style, with visible brush strokes and differing paint consistencies. It is important to note that these dolls are made from real wood which will have naturally occurring markings and grain, and sometimes there will be small amount of bleeding along the grain, or knots, which is to be expected when using untreated wood - please make sure you consult the pictures carefully before purchasing. She has been finished in a top coat of matt acrylic.

This girl was turned from American Tulipwood by a production turner to my design and then hand painted and added to by me, a British artist, exploring patterns and scenes encountered by me on my travels and in daily life.

Painted underneath with a blue bear head. Approximately 23.5cm high.

IMPORTANT NOTES:
THIS IS NOT A TOY and should be kept out of the reach of children.
Wood girls should be kept away from water which can damage the wood and painted surface, and also away from direct heat/ sunlight which also can affect the surface colour and the timber itself.