summer rain

From mid June to mid/ late July in Japan there is a 'rainy season' known as tsuyu (plum rain) and on many days there are showers and sunny spells. It is actually a great time to visit if you are ready for the weather because there are often less crowds and the gardens look amazing in the rain - particularly the hydrangeas. However if you are attending a festival during this time you may want to employ the assistance of a 'teru teru bozu' (照る照る坊主), a traditional Japanese charm doll usually made of tissue paper or cloth, these dolls are hung in a window to prevent rain. The term ‘teru teru’ means ‘shine’, as in the sunshine, and ‘bozu’ comes from a word meaning Buddhist monk – the belief is that a priest might have the powers to prevent a rainy day.

This girl has a dress pattern of a rainy hydrangea garden, and she appears to have a teru teru bozu sitting on her head!

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.

A note about 'Wood Girls'
This girl was turned by a production turner to my design, and then hand painted in the U.K. by me, a British artist. I love exploring the patterns and scenes encountered by me on my travels and in daily life.

Painted underneath with a bear head and the year.
Approximately 17.5cm high.

Please note: 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.