Kokeshi Nodder Doll Diorama Bumbling Traveling Duo Yaji-san & Kita-san in Tokyo

This is a vintage Japanese Sosaku nodder Kokeshi Doll diorama that measures 5" high.  Together they depict a famous comical traveling duo known as Yaji-san and Kita-san.  It is based on the characters from the series of humorous accounts about two freinds, Yajirobei (Yaji-san) and Kitahachi (Kita-san) on their journey from Edo (present day Tokyo) to Kyoto on the Tokaido Road.  Written in the early 19th century by Jippensha Ikku and titled "Tokaidochu Hizakurige," it is a novel set during the Edo period featuring the life of commoners as characterized in the footloose bumbling pair, Yaji and Kita, as they experience bizarre and comic adventures on their journey to Kyoto.

The story was full of funny adventures as they appear to be ready to face the next adveture at any moment.  This comical duo shows the pair with Yaji-san wearing a hotspring towel over his head and Kita-san peeking his head out of a pickling jar.