setoware maneki neko girl

Artist's notes on style, materials and inspiration:

A large wood girl who is bringing in the good fortune - dressed up as a Setoware maneki neko which are made in Aichi Prefecture. The girl's cat costume has the black and orange spots like the markings of the Japanese bobtail cat (and has a bobtail too) and wears the pleated bib with bell. The bells are said to ward off evil. The cat’s right paw is raised to beckon in money and good fortune for its owner.

Turned from American Tulipwood, a sustainable and interestingly grained timber, pieces are turned on a lathe by a production wood turner in the UK to my designs, then painted by me, a British artist. She has been added to, hand painted and finished in a matt acrylic protective top coat.

This tall girl is approximately 22.5cm in height.

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.

PLEASE NOTE: 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.