Arima Ningyo Fude are brushes with a karakuri (mechanical trick) device, made at Arima Onsen in Arima-cho, Kita Ward, Kobe City. When you pick up the brush to write, a small doll pops its head out of the end of the shaft. The shaft is wrapped with colorful silk threads that form beautiful patterns. According to Hyogo Prefecture, its origins are said to date back to the Muromachi period, and it is recorded as a specialty of Arima in the 有馬名所鑑 (a guide to the famous places of Arima), published in 1678 (Enpo 6). It is said to have been devised from the practical Arima brushes that had long been made there, and it has been loved as a souvenir of Arima Onsen. It is also popular as a celebratory return gift (hikidemono) associated with wishes for children. At the Japan World Exposition in 1970 it was exhibited at the Local Folk Crafts Pavilion, where it was selected as a prize-winning work and became widely known. It was designated a Hyogo Prefecture Designated Traditional Craft in 1993 (Heisei 5). Today, 灰吹屋西田筆店 at Arima Onsen is the only workshop.
Origin
Hyogo Prefecture places the origin of Arima's doll brushes in the Muromachi period. A travel website that features 灰吹屋西田筆店 gives the origin as around 1560. Practical Arima brushes have been made in Arima since long ago, and the doll brush is said to have been devised from them. The 1678 topographical record 有馬名所鑑 lists it as a specialty of Arima. A legend is also told of a lord who disliked writing, took a liking to this brush, and improved at writing.
History
Doll brushes have been loved as souvenirs by people visiting Arima Onsen. In the Taisho era there were several workshops, but they closed one after another, and today 灰吹屋西田筆店 is the only workshop. At the Japan World Exposition in 1970, it was exhibited at the Local Folk Crafts Pavilion and selected as a prize-winning work, which raised its profile. In March 1993, it was designated a Hyogo Prefecture Designated Traditional Craft. The 西田筆店 shop burned down in a fire in 2016 but was rebuilt the following year and continues production.
Features
The greatest feature of Arima Ningyo Fude is the karakuri device that makes a small doll pop out of the end of the shaft when the brush is held. The doll is fitted with a mechanism using a thread and a weight (omori); it pops its head out when the brush tip is pointed downward and retracts into the shaft when the brush is put away. The bamboo shaft is wrapped with colorful silk threads, and there is a wide variety of patterns. Besides being usable for calligraphy and painting, the brushes are chosen as return gifts associated with wishes for children and as souvenirs of Arima Onsen.
Techniques
Karakuri Mechanism
A small doll made from a material mixed with plaster or similar substances is set inside the shaft. The doll is fitted with a karakuri mechanism using a thread and a weight; it pops out of the end of the shaft when the brush tip is pointed downward and retracts into the shaft when the brush is put away.
Silk Thread Wrapping
Colorful silk threads are wound onto the bamboo shaft to create beautiful patterns. There are many kinds of patterns, and each brush has its own character. Because everything is handmade, production is limited.
Materials Used
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Artisans & Workshops
灰吹屋西田筆店
A brush shop at 1160 Arima-cho, Kita Ward, Kobe City, introduced by Hyogo Prefecture as a maker of Arima doll brushes. Of the several workshops that existed in the Taisho era, the others closed down, and it is now considered the only workshop. It burned down in a fire in 2016 but was rebuilt the following year.
How to Buy
- 灰吹屋西田筆店
- It is said to be the only shop where Arima Ningyo Fude can be purchased. Prices are reported as about 3,300 yen for one brush, about 4,900 yen for a set of two, and about 9,000 yen for a set of two large brushes in a wooden box. The shop has regular closing days, mainly on Wednesdays, and since information on these and on business hours differs from source to source, it is best to check in advance. Credit cards are reportedly not accepted.
Hands-on Experiences
有馬玩具博物館 有馬人形筆製作体験
兵庫県神戸市北区有馬町797
Participants make their own doll brush while learning about the history of doll brushes and how the karakuri works. The fee is about 5,000 yen per person, including the finished brush and admission to the museum. Sessions are held in the morning and afternoon, each taking about one hour. Booking at least one week in advance is recommended, and applications are made through the museum's website.
FAQ
Q. Can you actually write with an Arima Ningyo Fude?
A. Yes, it can be used for calligraphy and painting. When you pick up the brush to write, the doll pops its head out, and when you put the brush away the doll goes back into the shaft, so it is a brush you can enjoy every time you use it.
Q. Where can I buy Arima Ningyo Fude?
A. 灰吹屋西田筆店 at Arima Onsen is the only workshop, and the brushes are sold at the shop. Because they are handmade and production is limited, it is a good idea to check the business days before visiting.