A vintage kokeshi doll is a delightful example of post-war omiyage (souvenir) crafted in the Tōhoku region, known for producing both dentō (traditional) and sōsaku (creative) kokeshi., blending the charm of traditional Japanese aesthetics with the playful spirit of mid-century folk art.
Her facial features are minimal but emotive, with delicately painted almond-shaped eyes, a small red mouth, and soft black sideburns that frame her face—hallmarks of the Shōwa-era kokeshi style. Her hair is topped with a bright red painted hat, adorned with hand-painted white cherry blossoms and subtle pink shading, seasonal symbolism—springtime, a motif associated with beauty and renewal in Japanese culture.
She wears a simplified kimono rendered in the natural grain of the wood, allowing the material's warmth and texture to shine through. On the front of her kimono is a striking square panel in black, decorated with a stylized floral crest, or mon, featuring white petals and a red center, evoking ume (plum blossom) or sakura (cherry blossom), symbols of perseverance and transient beauty. The yellow base beneath the flower could represent a stem or a decorative brocade element.
