Vintage 1950s Hakata Urasaki Doll Couple Figurine Japan Label Excellent Cond

Description

Hakata Urasaki Doll Elderly Couple Figurine
Japan
Condition:  Excellent Vintage, no chips, cracks or crazing.
Measures 10" L x  7" H x 6 1/2" W
Date:  1950-1951 made exclusively for US soldiers stationed in Japan during the Korean War.
Happy to combine shipping. Please let me know if you have any questions or would like additional photos.
Hakata Urasaki Doll. These ceramic figurines have a long history in Japan, dating back to the 17th century. In the late 1800's, they evolved to represent more realistic and natural representations of people, and were very richly colored.  This figurine is
precisely dated to 1950-51 through the blue ink Urasaki label. This was the first year for Urasaki and five other artisan studios hand crafting these dolls for the American troops stationed near Fukoaka during the Korean War. The heyday was 1950-55.
This doll is interesting because only a few of the Urasaki dolls had a shiny finish, similar to Chinese figures known as "mud men." The Americans preferred a softer, more artistic finish, which was done by casting the dolls with a bisque finish and then applying water color. The protective spray which was used to make them washable is long gone.  Caution - Do not let moisture near this doll.