A vintage omiyage (souvenir) kokeshi doll from Matsushima (松島), one of Japan’s most scenic coastal destinations, located in Miyagi Prefecture. Featuring a delicately painted face, a traditional minimalist design, and a hand-drawn landscape of Matsushima Bay, this kokeshi embodies the beauty and nostalgia of Japan’s renowned folk art tradition.
The doll has a warm, peaceful expression with thinly drawn eyes and a small red-painted mouth, evoking a sense of quiet contentment. The hair is painted in a simple yet elegant style, with distinct side accents, reflecting the classic Tōhoku-region kokeshi aesthetic. The body features a hand-painted ink drawing of Matsushima Bay (松島), famous for its stunning pine-covered islands and coastal views. The drawing includes a depiction of a temple pagoda referencing Zuigan-ji (瑞巌寺), a historic Zen temple in Matsushima, adding to the doll’s cultural significance.
Matsushima is one of Japan’s "Three Most Scenic Views" (日本三景, Nihon Sankei), celebrated for its breathtaking seascape with over 260 small pine-covered islands. The area has deep historical and spiritual importance, with landmarks like Zuigan-ji Temple, Godaido Pavilion, and centuries-old pine trees shaping its iconic landscape.
