Snow-tanned Kokeshi Dolls (4-inch, Set of 2)

A black Kokeshi doll carved from a single log from the foot of the mountain, created in the image of Goriki (strong man).

In the snowy region of northern Honshu, west of Genbikei Gorge in Ichinoseki City, the foot of Mt. Kurikoma and Mt. Sukawa, national parks that stand tall and are capped with snow, is a deep snow village. For a long time, there were two hot springs, Mayu and Narusawa, but hot springs also gushed out in Matsurube, Sannoiwa, and Okugenbi, creating the Genbi Onsenkyo hot spring resort. In ancient times, the villagers who lived in this area, during the long winter months, would do things like charcoal burning. From spring to autumn, they worked as Goriki (strong men) from the post town of Mizuyama Village, carrying the belongings of hot spring guests to and from Sukawa Onsen, walking steep mountain paths. They would sweat profusely, their faces tanned red and black from the sun and snow, treading on the lingering snow of spring and summer. This sight was apparently visible until around 1955.
This Yukiyake Kokeshi (sunburned Kokeshi) expresses the simple and healthy colors of the Goriki, using logs from the foot of the mountain, rich in local character.

The Yukiyake Kokeshi are carefully made over time through the following process: Raw log → Drying (1-2 years) → Processing (to a certain size) → Processing (into Kokeshi shape) → Finishing (applying glaze) → Completion.
Remember the figures of the Goriki, which can no longer be seen today, through this Yukiyake Kokeshi. When you feel lonely, sad, angry, or even happy, gaze at this Kokeshi. The infinite expressions of the Kokeshi will bring a sense of peace and amusement to your heart.

[Product Information]
□ Male 4-sun (smaller head): Height approx. 12 x Width Φ3.5 cm
□ Female 4-sun (larger head): Height approx. 12 x Width Φ3.5 cm
*Since Yukiyake Kokeshi are all handmade by artisans, there may be slight differences in dimensions. Please enjoy them as the charm of handmade items.
Material: Wood (Japanese cherry birch, maple, zelkova, etc., made from whatever is available at the time)
Included: Kokeshi origin explanation
Boxed

[Retail Price]
Male and Female 4-sun: ¥1,650 each (tax included)

If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.