Vintage Apple-Head Kokeshi Doll craft piece by Aomori Prefecture, Japan’s most famous apple-producing region. The combination of traditional kokeshi artistry with a playful apple-shaped head makes this piece a delightful blend of cultural heritage and local identity.
The doll’s head is painted a deep red with subtle shading, mimicking the look of a ripe apple, a symbol closely associated with Aomori’s renowned apple orchards. The hand-painted thin eyebrows, small curved eyes, and delicate mouth give the doll a traditional and warm expression. The body retains the natural texture of the wood, with the outer bark left intact, adding to its organic and handcrafted feel. The painted landscape on the body features lush greenery, pink flowers, and flowing water, evoking Japan’s natural beauty. The white calligraphy inscription a poetic. The upper part of the body is painted with a black-and-white checkered pattern, resembling a happi (festival coat) or traditional attire.
Aomori Prefecture is Japan’s leading apple producer, famous for its delicious, high-quality apples. The apple-head design pays homage to Aomori’s agricultural heritage, blending local pride with kokeshi craftsmanship. The hand-painted scenery may represent one of Aomori’s famous natural sites, such as Oirase Gorge or Towada Lake. This rare and whimsical apple-themed kokeshi doll is a wonderful addition for collectors of Japanese folk art, regional travel memorabilia, and handcrafted wooden dolls. Whether displayed as a symbol of Aomori’s apple-growing culture or as a beautifully crafted decorative piece, this kokeshi is a one-of-a-kind blend of nature, tradition, and artistry.
