A vintage kokeshi doll from Gion (祇園), Kyoto’s most iconic geisha district, known for its timeless elegance, cobbled lanes, and traditional teahouses. The doll features a rounded wooden head, delicately hand-painted with soft, serene facial features and subtle red accents in the hair, capturing the graceful beauty typical of a maiko (apprentice geisha).
What sets this piece apart is its uniquely shaped body, carved into a diamond-like form and adorned with a monochrome illustration of a maiko (apprentice geisha) walking along a bridge in Gion. The elegant silhouette and serene scene evoke the quiet, timeless charm of Kyoto's streets, where maiko still glide through in full traditional dress.
Adding a refined decorative touch is a golden tassel tied around the doll’s neck, suggesting the ornamental cords worn by geisha with their kimono. The rustic bark base reinforces the handmade, natural charm of this omiyage (souvenir) piece, grounding it in Japan’s deep appreciation for nature and simplicity.
