Miyajima Pair, Japanese Kokeshi

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Kokeshi of a souvenir from Miyajima Shrine and Tori Gate. The shape of the doll's bodies represent rice paddles. Folklore says that a monk living on the island "invented" a particular style of wooden spoon used to serve rice which did not impair the taste. This style of paddle is a popular souvenir and why they would be included on a souvenir kokeshi from there. The artwork on the paddle depicts Miyajima Shrine (male) and Tori Gate (female). The shrine is made of a thin sheet metal. Total length is about 6" and height is 4". Some dusty soiling.

(my thanks to n.s. for the info).

This product was added to our catalog on Monday 18 September, 2006.