This is a vintage folk toy from Yamaguchi Prefecture (山口県) features a pair of hand-painted wooden dolls representing a traditionally dressed man and woman. Known as 郷土人形 (Kyōdo Ningyō)
The dolls are tall and slender, crafted with minimalistic faces and expressive hand-painted details. The male doll wears a simple but striking kimono adorned with vertical stripes and an accent at the collar, while the female doll dons a red-patterned kimono decorated with floral motifs and a rounded hair style with painted kanzashi (hairpins).
Kyōdo Ningyō are traditional handcrafted figurines made across Japan, deeply rooted in local culture, beliefs, and aesthetics. The term literally means “local (郷土) dolls (人形),” and these figures have been cherished for centuries as toys, charms, and decorative souvenirs that reflect the spirit and identity of their place of origin. They stand on a natural wooden base, which bears a vintage tourism seal of Yamaguchi Prefecture (山口県観光連盟)—a delightful nod to the souvenir nature of this set, likely made for travelers seeking a tangible memory of their visit. These dolls not only celebrate the region's craftsmanship but also serve as a nostalgic reminder of Japan's rich tradition of omiyage—gifts brought back from journeys.
