Mid-20th century Wisteria Maiden (Fuji Musume) doll by Taro Yositake (label on base). The doll represents the iconic character from the classical Kabuki dance drama Fuji Musume ('The Wisteria Maiden'), itself inspired by the popular Ōtsu-e folk paintings. She wears a long-sleeved kimono decorated with trailing wisteria blossoms and a black lacquered hat (nuri-gasa), traditional to the role. In her left arm she holds a white wisteria branch, a motif symbolizing youthful longing and unrequited love.

In the performance, the Wisteria Maiden emerges from a painting admired by a young man, enchanted by him. Through successive dances, she seeks his affection. Ultimately ignored, she sorrowfully returns to the painting, the weeping wisteria still in her arms—a poignant image of ephemeral beauty and unattainable desire.

The doll’s hands and neck are wrapped in fabric, evoking the stylized aesthetics of traditional ningyo craftsmanship. Displayed on a lacquered stand and enclosed in a vintage glass case.