This charming bundle features two unique vintage wooden dolls from Japan’s Showa era, perfect for collectors of traditional Japanese crafts. Both pieces display intricate details and cultural significance, making them a special addition to any collection. 1) Vintage Wooden Nasu (Aubergine) Doll This adorable vintage doll is shaped like a nasu (aubergine), a vegetable considered auspicious in Japan due to its high likelihood of bearing fruit after blooming. The doll is hand-painted with a sweet face, complete with fringe-like hair and rosy red cheeks. It rests on a wooden leaf base, attached with glue, adding an extra touch of charm. From the writing on the back, it appears to have been purchased from 野尻湖 (Nojiri Lake) in Nagano Prefecture. A delightful piece with historical ties to its region of origin. Size: Approx. W6.7 cm (leaf) x H7 cm 2) Vintage Wooden Geta Dolls This pair of tiny, hand-painted donguri dolls (a boy and a girl) is seated on wooden 下駄 (geta), traditional Japanese wooden sandals. One geta has an orange hanao (strap), while the other has a black one. There is a small mushroom at the front and leaves behind the girl, adding an earthy, whimsical touch. The writing on the front of the geta shows that this set is from 河口湖 (Kawaguchi Lake), a popular destination in Yamanashi Prefecture. Despite their small size, these dolls showcase lovely hand-painted details, capturing the essence of Japanese souvenirs from the Showa era. Size: W7.5 cm x H6.5 cm These delightful, vintage souvenirs offer a nostalgic glimpse into Japan’s Showa period, with intricate details that collectors and lovers of Japanese crafts will appreciate. – These rare, vintage items come from the personal collection of j-okini’s owner’s grandfather (1919–1998) and have been carefully preserved since the 1990s. Each piece holds a special connection to Japan’s cultural history and has been well cared for over the decades.
