A charming vintage omiyage kokeshi from Sugadaira Kōgen (菅平高原), a mountainous highland area in Nagano Prefecture known for its cool climate, natural scenery, and long tradition as a holiday destination.
This rustic souvenir kokeshi is made from shirakaba (白樺), Japanese white birch, a material closely associated with mountain regions of Japan. Rather than hiding the natural surface of the wood, the maker has incorporated the birch bark directly into the design, giving the piece a wonderfully organic and handmade character.
The tall, slender body retains sections of pale, textured bark, while the central section is painted with a small snowy mountain landscape showing a house, bare trees, and a solitary figure walking through the scene.
Vintage condition with visible age-related wear, surface marks, and natural irregularities to the bark and wood. These are consistent with the material and rustic character of the piece. Please refer carefully to the photographs for condition.
