A charming vintage omiyage kokeshi from Shiobara Onsen (塩原温泉) in Tochigi Prefecture, an area long celebrated for its mountain scenery, hot springs and seasonal beauty.
This unusual souvenir kokeshi is designed as a small travelling figure, topped with a broad rustic kasa-style wooden hat made from a natural wood slice with the bark still visible around the edge. The hat is decorated with a vivid red maple leaf, a classic symbol of autumn in Japan, together with hand-brushed calligraphy referring to Shiobara.
Shiobara Onsen developed as a historic hot-spring destination in the mountainous area of present-day Nasushiobara. Its valleys, waterfalls and especially its brilliant autumn foliage made it a popular domestic sightseeing destination, and small wooden crafts such as this were produced as omiyage — travel souvenirs carrying the identity of the place visited.
