Vtg Japanese Kyodo Gangu Koinobori Wheeled Folk Toy Pair Hitoyoshi Kyushu Box For Sale

A wonderful pair of hand-painted wooden koinobori (carp streamer) wheeled folk toys — a classic kyodo gangu (郷土玩具, regional folk toy) from Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto, Kyushu, Japan. These miniature rolling fish toys are colorfully painted in red, white, yellow and green, with a kanji character on each head and a string tongue detail.

• Maker: Miyahara Kogei (宮原工芸) / Miyahara Takeo — Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto
• Includes: Original maker's box labeled 郷土玩具 / 九州人吉 / 観光みやげ (Regional Folk Toy / Kyushu Hitoyoshi / Tourist Souvenir). Box has a name written on the bottom in pen.
• Size: Larger approx. 4" long; smaller approx. 3" long
• Country of Origin: Made in Japan (Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu)
• Condition: Good — paint shows minor age wear; no chips or cracks; wheels intact
• A rare find with maker's box — Hitoyoshi is sometimes called "the Kyoto of Kyushu" for its rich craft traditions

From a smoke-free, pet-free home.