This 1963 rustic vintage omiyage kokeshi from Takamine Kōgen (高峰高原) is a charming example of Japanese regional souvenir craft, designed to evoke the atmosphere of travel through the mountain landscapes of central Japan.
Takamine Kōgen, located in the highlands around Mount Takamine on the Nagano–Gunma border, is known for its cool mountain climate, hiking routes, forests and expansive views. Souvenirs from such mountain resorts often incorporated natural materials and imagery connected with travellers, mountain huts and rural life.
This unusual composition is made largely from natural branches, bark and slices of wood, preserving their rough textures and irregular forms. Two tiny kokeshi-like figures stand at the base, each with a simple painted face and bodies wrapped in bark-like material, giving them the appearance of little mountain travellers dressed for the cold.
The underside retains original handwritten and stamped markings, including 「高峰高原」, confirming its connection with Takamine Kōgen. It also appears to bear the date “38.2.24,” corresponding to Shōwa 38 (1963), making it a particularly evocative survivor of Japan’s post-war domestic travel culture.
Rather than belonging to one of the formal traditional kokeshi lineages, this piece is best understood as a regional omiyage kokeshi / folk souvenir, where kokeshi-inspired figures were combined with local scenery and natural materials to create a memorable keepsake of a specific destination.
Size: 7 x 3 x 12cm
