A vintage omiyage (souvenir) kokeshi doll features a delightful hand-painted face capturing the traditional innocence and charm of the kokeshi form. The doll stands in a simple cylindrical shape with no arms, a typical design of modern omiyage kokeshi produced for tourists in the mid-20th century.
The body of the doll is beautifully decorated with a scenic landscape of rolling hills, trees, and a lake painted in muted tones of green, brown, and blue, conveying a peaceful countryside ambiance. Over this landscape, flowing Japanese calligraphy adds poetic elegance, likely commemorating a famous local scene or verse related to the region.
The kanji on the side「ライン」 (rain, meaning “line” or “route”), referencing a sightseeing route, the Nihon Rhine in Gifu Prefecture a popular destination along the Kiso River known for its scenic beauty.
This piece is an excellent example of a souvenir kokeshi that bridges traditional aesthetics with the postwar tourism boom in Japan, appealing to travelers with its local flair and nostalgic artistry.
