This pair of handcrafted wooden kokeshi dolls takes inspiration from Wakayama Prefecture’s famous mikan (Japanese mandarin oranges). Each doll features a round, orange-hued head and body, painted to resemble a freshly cut citrus fruit.
The larger and smaller figures stand together as a pair, symbolizing warmth and family. Their cheerful faces, with bright eyes and gentle smiles, capture the playful postwar kawaii (cute) aesthetic often seen in mid-20th-century regional folk toys.
The bodies are painted with white citrus blossoms and green leaves, delicate symbols of fragrance and renewal. These kokeshi were made or sold as souvenirs from Shirahama, a coastal resort town in Wakayama known for its hot springs and citrus groves.
Each piece is turned from wood, hand-painted, and sealed with a glossy lacquer finish. Together, they reflect the nostalgic charm of Japan’s local craft traditions — a joyful blend of regional identity and artistic whimsy.
