A vintage omiyage kokeshi doll from Iizaka Onsen (飯坂温泉), one of Japan’s most historic and renowned hot spring towns, located in Fukushima Prefecture. With its minimalist facial expression, natural wood base, and rustic craftsmanship.
The small, delicate facial features with soft, half-closed eyes and a tiny red mouth give the doll a calm and peaceful appearance. The hair is painted in a classic straight-cut style, adorned with red bow-like accents, adding a youthful and nostalgic charm. A small pointed topknot (chomage) sits atop the head, a common hairstyle in traditional kokeshi designs. The doll is mounted on a raw, bark-covered wooden stump, retaining its organic form, emphasizing the natural beauty of wood craftsmanship. The Japanese calligraphy inscription (飯坂, Iizaka) on the base indicates its origin, marking it as a keepsake from Iizaka Onsen.
With a subtle black and white collar design, representing a traditional kimono or yukata (a casual summer kimono often worn at onsen resorts). Iizaka Onsen is one of Japan’s oldest hot spring resorts, dating back over 1,000 years, known for its healing waters, public bathhouses, and connection to historical figures like Matsuo Bashō, the famous haiku poet.
