This vintage omiyage kokeshi set comes from Asakusa (浅草), one of Tokyo’s most culturally rich and historic neighborhoods. Uniquely crafted, the figures feature rounded wooden heads with hand-painted faces — their gentle expressions and traditional hair details evoke a warm, nostalgic feeling. What makes this piece especially distinctive is the use of real pine cones for the bodies, giving the dolls an earthy, folk-art texture that contrasts beautifully with the smoothness of the wood.
Each figure holds a round paddle, delicately painted with miniature landscapes that resemble traditional Japanese ink wash scenes — possibly representing iconic natural views or imagined sceneries around Asakusa. The pair stands on a thin slice of wood, and a small wooden plaque between them bears the kanji for "Asakusa" (浅草), indicating its origin as a local souvenir.
Likely made during the mid-Showa era, this handcrafted piece embodies the whimsical creativity found in many regional omiyage crafts. It captures not only the charm of Japanese folk artistry but also a piece of Asakusa’s enduring spirit.
