A vintage Yukinko Kokeshi doll, hand-carved from white birch wood in the traditional itto-bori (一刀彫) style, where the form is shaped with a single blade, leaving bold, expressive facets and an organic feel. The face of the doll peeks out from a diamond-shaped opening in the bark, a child warmly bundled against the snow, an homage to the Yukinko motif, symbolizing innocence, protection, and life in snowy regions of Japan.
The doll is painted in a vivid palette: a black robe adorned with white patterns and a base of bright yellow and red accents, evoking traditional northern winter wear. The outer bark remains intact around the head and upper body, giving a natural, rustic aesthetic unique to birch wood.
It's origin marked with the name 諏訪湖 (Lake Suwa) on the top. Nestled in Nagano Prefecture, Lake Suwa is known for its scenic winters and deep cultural traditions, which this folk toy beautifully embodies. Often sold as a local souvenir near shrines or along temple paths, this Yukinko kokeshi is not just a decorative object but a piece of regional heritage and warmth, carved into wood. size: 6 x 6 x 16.5cm
