A pair of vintage omiyage kokeshi dolls hails from Hakone Onsen 箱根温泉, one of Japan's most celebrated hot spring destinations nestled in the scenic mountains of Kanagawa Prefecture. Crafted as classic postwar travel souvenirs, these wooden dolls represent traditional Japanese figures wearing sugegasa (woven conical hats), evoking the appearance of rural travelers or pilgrims. The male figure is adorned with a delicate painting of Mount Fuji, accompanied by soaring cranes—both symbols of good fortune and longevity. The female figure features a serene lakeside scene with a single crane, adding a poetic sense of tranquility and balance. Hand-turned from natural wood and painted with simple, elegant brushwork in black, white, and red tones, these dolls reflect the charm of mid-20th-century Japanese folk craft. The wood is left unpainted in areas to showcase its natural texture and warmth, a signature of mingei aesthetics.
