{"product_id":"k10234-vintage-folk-craft-eastern-maidens-吾妻乙女","title":"K10234 - Vintage Folk Craft Eastern Maidens 吾妻乙女","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"413\"\u003eThis charming set of \u003cstrong data-start=\"21\" data-end=\"43\"\u003eAzuma-Otome (吾妻乙女)\u003c\/strong\u003e dolls is a delicate example of postwar Japanese folk craftsmanship from \u003cstrong data-start=\"116\" data-end=\"149\"\u003eYonezawa in the Tōhoku region\u003c\/strong\u003e, an area historically known as \u003cem data-start=\"181\" data-end=\"192\"\u003eMichinoku\u003c\/em\u003e — the snow-covered northeastern lands celebrated in Japanese poetry and folklore. The name \u003cem data-start=\"284\" data-end=\"297\"\u003eAzuma-Otome\u003c\/em\u003e can be translated as “Eastern Maidens,” evoking the quiet beauty and resilience of rural women from northern Japan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"415\" data-end=\"778\"\u003eHandcrafted using straw, wood, and painted clay or papier-mâché faces, the figures wear traditional winter garments made from natural dried straw, recalling the practical clothing once worn in snowy farming villages. Their tiny hand-painted expressions, simple forms, and rustic textures embody the warmth and sincerity found in regional Japanese mingei folk art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"780\" data-end=\"1172\"\u003eThe accompanying leaflet beautifully describes them as maidens “born in snowy and beautiful Michinoku,” reflecting the romanticized image of Tōhoku life that became especially appreciated during the mid-20th century folk craft revival movement. Pieces like these were often created as decorative souvenirs celebrating regional identity, seasonal life, and disappearing countryside traditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1174\" data-end=\"1435\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eThe contrast between the soft painted faces and rough straw garments gives these dolls a poetic atmosphere full of nostalgia and quiet charm. A wonderful collectible for admirers of Japanese folk toys, Tōhoku craftsmanship, and vintage handmade decorative arts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize: 12 x 4 x 8cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Maison Kyo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57503082053963,"sku":"K10234","price":18.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0964\/9746\/7723\/files\/temple_b3a9a7dc-28da-43b4-8628-bf1ab85cc689.jpg?v=1780501577","url":"https:\/\/maisonkyo.be\/products\/k10234-vintage-folk-craft-eastern-maidens-%e5%90%be%e5%a6%bb%e4%b9%99%e5%a5%b3","provider":"Maison Kyo","version":"1.0","type":"link"}