This omiyage kokeshi features a beautifully hand-painted scene inspired by the Japanese myth of "Inaba no Shirousagi" 因幡の白兎(The White Hare of Inaba) one of Japan’s oldest and most beloved legends, deeply connected with Izumo Taisha (出雲大社) in Shimane Prefecture.
The figure depicted here is Ōkuninushi no Mikoto (大国主命), the benevolent deity known for his kindness and wisdom. Dressed in traditional robes and holding a white cloth, he is shown alongside the adorable white rabbit, the central figure of the myth. According to the legend, the injured hare, after being tricked and wounded by sharks, is healed by Ōkuninushi’s guidance, a tale that symbolizes compassion, healing, and divine care. This story is closely linked to Izumo Taisha, where Ōkuninushi is enshrined, and remains a symbol of benevolence and romantic destiny in Japanese folklore.
Crafted in the style of folk-art kokeshi, this piece uses warm tones and delicate brushwork to bring out the gentle expressions of both the deity and the rabbit. Mounted on a wooden base with the inscription 出雲大社 (Izumo Taisha), this kokeshi serves as a meaningful souvenir for visitors to the sacred shrine.
