This vintage Japanese kokeshi doll is from Iwamuro Onsen 岩室温泉, Niigata. Iwamuro village started to flourish as a hot spring village during the Edo period, over 300 years ago. It is said that the healing properties of its waters were discovered by witnessing a goose healing its wounds in a hot spring there. Its proximity with Yahiko Shrine naturally attracted the pilgrims and travelers. It is also from Iwamuro that Niigata’s geigi, the local geisha tradition, originates.
