Kyoto Art Dolls





It is though that dolls were first made in the belief that any evil that might affect a child would instead afflict the doll. As time went by such dolls as amagatsu and houko evolved into what became the prototype of hina dolls with which children of imperial and noble families played during the Heian period (794-1185). The form of these dolls was not perfected, however, until sometime during the Edo period (1600-1868). Gosho dolls, isho dolls and ichimatsu dolls, all of which are ornamental rather than a child's toy, appeared around the same time and are still being made today.

With the development of crafts associated with lacquer, textiles and Buddhist altar paraphernalia in the area, Kyoto is an ideal environment for the making of dolls. Because all the work is divided between specialized craftspeople who make either the head or limbs, or attach the hair and dress the dolls, all the work is of the very best quality resulting in dolls of a really high standard. Today there are 49 firms employing 300 staff, 28 of which are government recognized Master Craftsmen.

Hakata Art Dolls





According to some people, the history of Hakata art dolls dates back to the beginning of the 17th century. It seems that when Kuroda Nagamasa built Fukuoka castle, someone making ridge-end tiles for the castle developed his skills with forming and firing, and he gave one of the figures he made to the head of the clan. It is also said that Hakata art dolls originate from simple biscuit fired toy dolls that were made by the people living in the Gion-machi district of Hakata sometime during the first half of the 19th century.

A great variety of figures are made including representations of beautiful women, kabuki players, characters from Noh dramas, characters of town and country, famous Taoist or Buddhist figures, and children. All are characterized by an unassuming beauty springing from biscuit firing, subtle coloring and finely carved details.