A vintage omiyage kokeshi doll with a bobble head is a vintage folk craft souvenir from Chūson-ji (中尊寺), the historic temple in Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture, known for its deep spiritual heritage and the UNESCO-listed Konjikidō.
The body of the doll is creatively crafted from a repurposed wooden sake bottle, giving it a distinctive rounded form and a gentle wobble. Prominently written on the front is the kanji 福, meaning good fortune, adding a symbolic layer of auspiciousness to the piece. The doll’s serene face is hand-painted in the traditional kokeshi style and topped with a sugegasa (straw hat), evoking the appearance of a traveling monk or temple pilgrim.
Merging folk artistry and temple symbolism, this bobble-head kokeshi from Chūson-ji embodies the warmth of Japanese craftsmanship and makes a meaningful keepsake for collectors or anyone drawn to cultural treasures.
