A vintage kokeshi doll hails from Kotohira-gū (金刀比羅宮), a revered Shinto shrine located in Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. Carved from natural wood and finished with a soft sheen, the doll exudes a peaceful, joyful expression, with painted hair framing a gently smiling face.
On the body is a delicate hand-painted scene featuring a lakeside pavilion surrounded by autumn foliage, rendered in vivid reds and golds. This tranquil landscape likely reflects the serene and scenic approach to the shrine itself, which is famous for its long stone staircase and panoramic views of the Sanuki region. The seasonal colors evoke the beauty of autumn visits to Kotohira-gū, a time of spiritual reflection and appreciation for nature's changing rhythms.
This kokeshi is more than a decorative figure, it's a token of pilgrimage and protection, carrying the sacred aura of one of Japan's most venerated Shinto sites.
