Miyoshi Ningyo are clay dolls made in Miyoshi City in northern Hiroshima Prefecture. Clay is shaped in molds and given a bisque firing, then painted with gofun and doro-enogu (earth pigments). Because animal glue (nikawa) is applied as a final coat, the dolls have a distinctive sheen and are also called 'hikari ningyo' (shining dolls). Centered on Tenjin dolls depicting Sugawara no Michizane, known as the god of learning, there are about 140 types, including warrior figures and female figures. In the northern part of the prefecture, centered on the Miyoshi area, the custom of giving Miyoshi Ningyo to both boys and girls for a child's first seasonal festival (hatsu-zekku) to pray for the child's growth has continued since the Edo period. The kiln has been passed down through generations of a single family, and the dolls are still handmade one by one using molds handed down over the years. In 1991 (Heisei 3), they were designated a Hiroshima Prefecture-designated Traditional Craft.
Origin
It is said to have begun in the Kan'ei era (1624–1644), when Asano Nagaharu, lord of the Miyoshi Domain, invited a doll maker from Asakusa in Edo and had him make clay dolls. It is also said that whenever a child was born to one of his retainers, Nagaharu gave a doll as a congratulatory gift. However, no documents survive to confirm this. What can be confirmed by records is that in Ansei 1 (1854), 大崎忠右衛門, a roof-tile maker from Iwami Province, moved to Miyoshi, found good clay, and built a kiln at 宮ノ峡 (present-day Miyoshi-machi). The early dolls are said to show the influence of Fushimi and Nagahama clay dolls.
History
In the Meiji era, 丸本儀十郎, who had learned doll making from the 大崎 family, opened a separate kiln in Tokaichi, giving rise to two lineages: 宮ノ峡 dolls and Tokaichi dolls. The 宮ノ峡 kiln died out in the Taisho era, and the 丸本 family of Tokaichi also suspended production in 1942 (Showa 17) because of the war. In 1956 (Showa 31), the fourth-generation 丸本十九瓶 revived it and changed the name to 'Miyoshi Ningyo.' From 1995, the sixth-generation 丸本垚 (Takashi) carried on the kiln, but he died in 2021, and his wife, 丸本みつ子, has succeeded him as the seventh generation.
Features
Tenjin dolls include seated and standing figures, as well as figures riding an ox, carrying a pine tree on the back, and holding plum blossoms. Female figures do not depict specific people but show women holding chrysanthemums, peonies, fans and the like. Warrior figures express wishes for boys' growth, with subjects such as Kato Kiyomasa, Minamoto no Yoshitsune and Guan Yu. Kintaro dolls are also made. In every case, vivid colors and the sheen of animal glue are added to a simple clay doll, giving it a festive look when displayed.
Techniques
Molding and bisque firing
Clay is pressed into doll molds handed down through generations to take the shape, dried, and then given a bisque firing. By continuing to use the same molds, the traditional forms have been passed down to the present.
Painting and glue coating
The bisque-fired dolls are painted with gofun and doro-enogu, depicting faces and costumes in different colors. Applying animal glue as a finish produces a distinctive sheen, which is why they are called 'hikari ningyo.'
Materials Used
Production Process
- 1
Molding
Clay is pressed into doll molds to take the shape.
- 2
Drying and bisque firing
The dolls are dried thoroughly and then given a bisque firing.
- 3
Painting
Color is applied with gofun and doro-enogu.
- 4
Glue coating
Animal glue is applied to bring out the sheen and finish the doll.
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Artisans & Workshops
三次人形窯元 丸本家
The kiln of Miyoshi Ningyo, located in 十日市町南, Miyoshi City. It descends from the Tokaichi kiln opened by 丸本儀十郎 in the Meiji era. After the sixth-generation 丸本垚 died in 2021, his wife, 丸本みつ子, succeeded him as the seventh generation and continues production with her family.
How to Buy
- Inquiring with the kiln
- The kiln is located at 4-chome 12-7, 十日市町南, Miyoshi City. According to a website introducing folk toys, production takes place once a year: molding and bisque firing from May to October, and painting from November to April of the following year. Once items sell out, you will have to wait until the next production run, so it is best to inquire early.
Hands-on Experiences
みよし風土記の丘ミュージアム（広島県立歴史民俗資料館）
広島県三次市小田幸町122
A prefectural museum whose collection includes Miyoshi Ningyo and hina dolls. From January to April 2025, a collection exhibition titled 'Miyoshi Ningyo and Hina Dolls Awaiting Spring' (春を待つ三次人形とひな人形) was held. Admission is 200 yen for general visitors and free for high school students and younger and for those aged 65 and over. The exhibits change depending on the season.
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