Naruko-kokeshi

Distinctive kokeshi from Miyagi with heads that squeak when turned.

Naruko-kokeshi is a style of traditional wooden doll from the Naruko Onsen area of Miyagi Prefecture, one of the eleven recognized kokeshi lineages in the Tohoku region. Characteristically, Naruko kokeshi have a distinctive head that squeaks when turned — the name "naruko" itself evokes this sound. They feature chrysanthemum and maple leaf patterns painted in red, yellow, and green on a lathe-turned body. Originally made as souvenirs for hot spring visitors, kokeshi have become beloved symbols of Tohoku folk art.