A vintage omiyage kokeshi from Urabandai (裏磐梯) in Fukushima Prefecture, specifically commemorating the famous Goshikinuma – the “Five-Coloured Ponds” (五色沼).
This rustic wooden doll is carved from a natural branch or log, with sections of the original bark deliberately retained around the upper and lower body. This gives the piece a strong mingei character and preserves the organic texture of the tree from which it was made.
Goshikinuma (五色沼) is a celebrated group of volcanic ponds in the Urabandai region, known for their remarkable shades of blue, turquoise, green and reddish tones. The ponds were formed in the landscape reshaped by the 1888 eruption of Mount Bandai, and became one of Fukushima’s best-known scenic destinations. Vintage souvenir crafts such as this kokeshi were created for travellers visiting the area, serving as both keepsakes and miniature representations of local scenery.
Rather than a traditional lineage-based kokeshi, this piece belongs to the fascinating world of regional omiyage folk craft, where the familiar kokeshi form was adapted to celebrate Japan’s hot springs, mountains, lakes and tourist destinations.
