With formal training in Japanee dollmaking techniques, Kazue's contemporary
creaitons of today reflect authentic Japanese culture and tradition. Dolls
are all porcelain or porcelain head and limbs on varied body types. They are
created form original sculptures that Kazue has reproduced from her own molds
and her own special blend of slip to obtain the deleicate oriental skin tones
so evident in her work. Her dolls are costumed in authentic reproductions of
historical Janpanese and Chinese fashion and fabrics. Kazue used untwisted
silk thread for hair. The dolls range in size from 11 to 36" tall. In Japan
it is not well received to make a portrait doll of someone still living, so
some of Kazue's dolls are fashioned after photographs of neices and nephews,
but not exact portraits.
The May 1993 issue of Contemporary Doll Collector contains a feature article
on "Bringing Japan to American Doll Collectors". Kazue has
been often featured in major doll magazines, in local newspapers and television.
In 1991 Kent State University held a one-man show of her work. A pair of her
dolls were purchased for exhibit in a German gallery and she has participated
in several special museum exhibis throughout the United States. in 1990 Kazue
was honored by special invitiation to create two life-size angels for the White
House Christmas decorations.
Kazue designed the 1992 UFDC Souvenir convention doll. "Precious Lady",
a 14" cloth bodied, bisque head and limb Chinese lady doll was
produced by the United States Historical Society.
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