This listing is for a vintage Japanese kokeshi doll.  These are traditional wooden dolls dating back to the late Edo period (early 1800s). Originally made as toys and souvenirs for visitors, they symbolize protection and good luck but have also become valued souvenirs representing visited temples and villages. 

This is quite an unusual, creative style kokeshi that is designed as a Christian nun or sister figure. The oval face is gentle and serene with small red lips and light brown brushstroke hair. The body is painted in shades of gray with a white belt and gold rosary and cross. The neckline suggests a white wimple, characteristic of a nun's attire. The back is signed "Omi Megumi" - the name of the artist. Creative kokeshi artists often explored modern, Western and religious themes, especially in the post-war period. 

4.5" x 1" - Small Size

Kokeshi are often a simple cylindrical body, a round head that sometimes bobbles and a painted face or carved patterns with a serene expression. There are two styles - traditional (dento) and creative (shingata) which emerged after WWII to show more freedom in design, color, and themes. Click here to learn more about this wonderful Japanese folk art.