This is a vintage omiyage (souvenir) kokeshi doll from Shirakawa-go (白川郷), a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its traditional gasshō-zukuri thatched-roof houses nestled in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture.
Standing at 19cm tall, this doll features a stacked cylindrical body carved from natural wood including a middle section of polished mountain cherry bark (yamazakura, 山桜), giving it a raw, rustic charm. The face is delicately hand-painted with a serene expression, downcast eyes, and soft blush, capturing the traditional aesthetic of regional kokeshi.
The body is adorned with calligraphy and a painterly depiction of Shirakawa-go’s rural scenery, including traditional houses and trees, rendered in earthy tones with hints of green and red. This type of kokeshi is a beautiful representation of the Showa-era souvenir culture, often sold in hot spring towns and tourist spots.
A nostalgic collectible and a charming tribute to the timeless beauty of Shirakawa-go — perfect for lovers of Japanese folk art and travel history.
