Not only does this adorable pair make for very cute ornament for your home, but they are also an excellent example of Yukinko kokeshi dolls. Kokeshi have a very long and developed history, initially created during in the mountainous areas of northern Japan, during winter when we all have to admit we have more free time on our hands at home. People started to carve this little toy dolls which ended being sold to tourists visiting the hot springs in the summer.
Yukinko dolls specifically have a beautiful link to Japanese culture and fairy tales of the region. People found that straw was excellent at keeping body heat in therefore started creating this minomushi or straw shawls for this exact purpose. The Yukinko name comes from a magical snow spirit from this area, a wandering woman, who if she asks, will give you her child, once you take the burden however it will grow heavier and heavier until you cannot continue and freeze in the snow.
Much as this is a dark tale, the dolls themselves are adorable bundles of straw and we can verify they do not grow in weight! They have a small sign attributing them to Toujinbou, a scenic spot in Japan. They are in good condition with no straw being majorly discoloured or marked and measure at approximately 11.5cm high and 8.5cm wide at the base.
