Large vintage naruko-style kokeshi doll, hand-painted with an image of Kannon, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, depicted beside a red bridge and accompanied by Japanese characters. This traditional design features the distinctive 'hamekomi' neck joint, a hallmark of naruko kokeshi, which produces a subtle squeaking sound when the head is turned. This ingenious mechanism, developed by artisans over two centuries ago, was intended to mimic the cry of a child, adding an interactive element to the doll. The name 'naruko' itself derives from the Japanese words 'naru' (sound) and 'ko' (child), reflecting this unique feature.