This is a vintage baby kokeshi doll dressed in a dudou (a traditional East Asian infant bib or apron). The doll is made of natural wood with a rounded head and small body, embodying the simplicity and warmth of traditional Japanese craftsmanship. The face is delicately hand-painted with soft, childlike features. One of the most distinctive features of this kokeshi is the Henohenomoheji (へのへのもへじ) face painted on the front of the dudou. This playful and nostalgic motif is a Japanese doodle-style face, composed of hiragana characters: • へ (he) for eyebrows • の (no) for eyes • へ (he) for the nose • も (mo) and へ (he) for the cheeks • じ (ji) for the mouth Henohenomoheji is often drawn by children or used to depict simple cartoon faces, making this kokeshi particularly whimsical and endearing. The dudou is painted with a green diamond-shaped pattern framing the face, adding a pop of color while preserving the rustic charm of the aged wood. This kokeshi represents a symbol of protection and good fortune for children, as traditional kokeshi are often associated with blessings for growth and health. Size: 9.5cm tall
