Lot #97: Traditional Japanese "HAGOITA" Geisha Paddle

Japanese traditional wooden paddles are called Hagoita. Hagoita is a Japanese word used for a wooden paddle decorated with a relief of a woman in a kimono. This paddle is used to play a game called Hanetsuki at the end of the year. The game is somewhat similar to badminton. The technique for making these paddles is called 'Oshie'. Silk fabric is stuffed with cotton to create a flattened 3D doll effect. Her face is hand painted. Her head is supported on the back side, so her headstands out a bit from the surface. Her hair is a traditional Geisha coiffure. She wears many silver cloth flowers and has a fancy headpiece. She is wearing a traditional red and gold kimono. The back of the paddle has a hand painted design of white blossom flowers. The handle has Japanese writing on the handle. In excellent condition, no chips or cracks. Measurements: 2.5"x 21 7/8" X 8" (55.5cm long) Weighs 547g Pickup category timeslot {A}