A vintage Japanese folk craft of a takeningyō 竹人形, or bamboo doll, from Awaji Island (淡路島), located in the Seto Inland Sea, between Honshu and Shikoku, known for its artistry in traditional performing arts and regional crafts. Historically, Awaji holds a special place in Japanese mythology. According to the Kojiki (Japan's oldest chronicle), Awaji was the very first island created by the gods Izanagi and Izanami. This mythical origin gives the island deep cultural significance.
The figure is composed entirely of carefully carved and assembled bamboo pieces, capturing the elegance of a dancer mid-performance. The exaggerated bent leg and sweeping sleeve posture evoke movement and rhythm, while the half-moon-shaped bamboo hat delicately shades the face, a nod to traditional festival attire. The base of the figure bears a gold plaque engraved with “淡路島,” grounding the piece in its place of origin. Awaji Island has long been associated with refined crafts and is historically considered the birthplace of Japanese puppet theater (Awaji Ningyō Jōruri), making this doll a meaningful souvenir that embodies both aesthetic grace and cultural heritage. A rare example of natural material meeting expressive form, this bamboo doll stands as a tribute to the ingenuity and elegance of regional Japanese craftsmanship.
