Hakota Ningyo (Hakota Papier-mache Dolls)
Hakota Ningyo (Hakota Papier-mache Dolls)
Hakota Ningyo are hariko (papier-mâché) dolls made in Kurayoshi City, Tottori Prefecture. Washi is layered over a paulownia wooden mold, and the hariko removed from the mold is given a base coat of gofun (shell white) and then colored with dyes and Japanese paints. They are said to have originated in the Tenmei era (1781–1789) of the Edo period. Tradition has it that 備後屋治兵衛, who came to Kurayoshi as a peddler from Bingo Province (present-day eastern Hiroshima Prefecture), was charmed by a modest young woman of Kurayoshi and made a doll in that young woman's likeness. Simple dolls shaped like kokeshi, they were once called 'Haako-san' and were cherished as playmates for children. They are also charms for praying that children grow up safely without injury or illness. They are included as a folk toy on the list of local crafts and related items designated by the Governor of Tottori Prefecture. Today 倉吉はこた人形保存会 continues to make and sell them at はこた人形工房, located in a corner of the Shirakabe Dozogun (white-walled storehouses), where visitors can also try painting the faces.
Origin
Hakota Ningyo are said to have begun in the Tenmei era of the Edo period. Tradition has it that 備後屋治兵衛, who came from Bingo Province to Kurayoshi as a peddler, was captivated by a modest young woman of the town and made a doll in that young woman's likeness. 治兵衛 is called the 'founder of Kurayoshi hariko', and the house name 備後屋 (Bingoya) has been handed down as that of a family making hariko in Kurayoshi.
History
Hakota Ningyo have long been cherished in Kurayoshi as dolls for praying for children's healthy growth. A 2009 Tottori Prefecture feature article introduced 三好明 as the sixth-generation successor of 備後屋, making masks and kite paintings in addition to hariko dolls. Today 倉吉はこた人形保存会 continues production at はこた人形工房 in the Shirakabe Dozogun. According to tourism materials from 2022, there are only two successors, both of them women.
Features
They are hariko dolls with a plump, kokeshi-like form and a simple painted face. はこた人形工房 makes four sizes: large (25 cm tall), medium (20.5 cm), small (18.5 cm) and mini (8.5 cm). Being washi hariko, they are light; color is applied over a white gofun ground, and nikawa (animal glue) gives them luster. In the San'in region these hariko are made only in Kurayoshi, and the workshop also makes the White Hare of Inaba, okiagari-koboshi (self-righting dolls) and hariko masks.
Techniques
Hariko (papier-mâché)
A technique of layering paper over a wooden mold to create a form, then removing the mold to make a hollow doll. For Hakota Ningyo, many sheets of washi are layered over a paulownia wooden mold, and the hariko is then removed from the mold.
Materials Used
Production Process
- 1
Layering
Many sheets of washi are layered over a wooden mold made of paulownia to form the shape of the doll.
- 2
Removing from the mold
The layered washi is removed from the wooden mold to make a hollow hariko.
- 3
Base coating
Gofun is applied to the hariko to create a white base. Gofun is a white pigment made by crushing seashells.
- 4
Coloring
The kimono patterns and the face are painted in with dyes and Japanese paints.
- 5
Adding luster
Nikawa (an adhesive made from animal skins and bones) is applied to give luster and finish the doll.
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Artisans & Workshops
はこた人形工房（倉吉はこた人形保存会）
A workshop at 魚町2529, Kurayoshi City, in a corner of the Shirakabe Dozogun. Run by 倉吉はこた人形保存会, it makes, displays and sells Hakota Ningyo, and offers production tours and face-painting experiences. Besides Hakota Ningyo, it also makes the White Hare of Inaba, okiagari-koboshi and hariko masks.
Official site →備後屋（三好明）
A family of hariko makers in Kurayoshi City. It traces its origin to 備後屋治兵衛, and a 2009 Tottori Prefecture feature article introduced 三好明 as the sixth generation. Making hariko dolls such as Hakota Ningyo as well as masks and kite paintings, it was regarded as something of a symbol of Kurayoshi's Shirakabe Dozogun.
Official site →How to Buy
- はこた人形工房
- Hakota Ningyo are displayed and sold at the workshop at 魚町2529, Kurayoshi City. It is open from 10:00 to 17:00 and regularly closed on Wednesdays. Hariko masks (13 cm wide × 20 cm tall, six types in all) cost about 2,500 yen each. For purchase inquiries, contact the workshop (090-1185-9732).Where to buy →PR
Hands-on Experiences
はこた人形工房（顔描き体験）
鳥取県倉吉市魚町2529
Paint a face onto a faceless Hakota Ningyo to finish a doll that is uniquely your own. It takes about 30 minutes, for up to five people at a time. Reservations are required, but if there are no bookings, same-day participation is also accepted. On the booking site it costs from about 1,600 yen, and you can choose from large and small Hakota Ningyo, the White Hare of Inaba and more.
View details →FAQ
Q. What is 'Haako-san'?
A. It is a former name for Hakota Ningyo. The dolls were cherished as playmates for children and were also charms for praying that children grow up safely without injury or illness.
Q. Where are Hakota Ningyo made?
A. They are made at はこた人形工房 in Kurayoshi City's Shirakabe Dozogun. In the San'in region these hariko are made only in Kurayoshi, and according to tourism materials from 2022, there are only two successors, both of them women. Visitors can also watch the production process at the workshop.