Takamatsu Hariko (Papier-Mâché)
Takamatsu Hariko (Takamatsu Papier-mâché Dolls)
Takamatsu Hariko are papier-mâché (hariko) dolls from Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture, made by pasting layer upon layer of washi paper onto clay or wooden molds. According to Kagawa Prefecture, the method of making them is said to have been brought when Matsudaira Yorishige entered the Takamatsu domain in Sanuki. The best-known piece, 'Hoko-san,' is a doll of a round-faced girl in a red kimono. It is said to derive from the legend of O-Maki, a girl who took the place of a sick princess, and it has long been cherished as a charm against children's illness and as a doll for brides. There are said to be more than 100 kinds of hariko besides, including Tai-mochi Ebisu (Ebisu holding a sea bream), lion heads (shishigashira) and tigers. In fiscal 1985 (Showa 60), it was among the first group of items designated as Kagawa Prefecture Designated Traditional Crafts, and today 乃村七重 and 臼井融, both Kagawa Prefecture Traditional Craftspersons, continue to make them.
Origin
The method of making Takamatsu Hariko is said to have been brought by retainers when Matsudaira Yorishige entered the domain as lord of the Takamatsu domain in 1642 (Kan'ei 19). In Kajiyamachi, a district of the Takamatsu castle town, many shops dealing in toys and dolls are said to have lined the streets since long ago. Hariko were enjoyed as children's playthings, and in addition to dolls, masks called 'Deko-san' were also made.
History
In the Meiji era, 梶川政吉, a former samurai of the Takamatsu domain, is said to have spread the name of Takamatsu Hariko. Around the Taisho era, they ranked near the top of rankings (banzuke) of local toys and were shipped to Osaka and Kyoto as well. Production waned as the country moved toward war, but his second daughter, 宮内フサ, revived doll making and drew even more attention than before. She is said to have kept painting until shortly before her death in 1985 at the age of 102.
Features
The best-known piece, Hoko-san, is a simple doll in the form of a round-faced girl on a cylindrical body, and auspicious patterns such as pine, bamboo and plum are painted on her kimono. According to legend, O-Maki took the illness of the princess she served upon herself and died on a remote island. Her figure is said to have become the doll, and besides being given to children to hold in prayer for recovery from illness, it has also been used as part of a bride's trousseau and as a good-luck charm.
Techniques
Layering Washi over a Mold
Takamatsu Hariko are shaped by pasting many sheets of washi paper in layers onto a mold made of clay or wood. In a workshop held by the Kagawa Museum (香川県立ミュージアム), the process was also introduced in two stages: making the base form and painting. The facial expression of each Hoko-san is painted in with a brush, one by one, by the craftsperson.
Materials Used
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Artisans & Workshops
乃村七重
A hariko craftsperson in Takamatsu City and a Kagawa Prefecture Traditional Craftsperson. According to a 2002 news report, 乃村七重 has continued making Takamatsu Hariko as the successor to 乃村七重's father, and was at the time the only Traditional Craftsperson for Takamatsu Hariko. The painting experience at 讃岐おもちゃ美術館 (Sanuki Toy Museum) uses hariko bases made by 乃村七重.
臼井融
A hariko craftsperson in Takamatsu City and a Kagawa Prefecture Traditional Craftsperson. Originally from Kobe City, 臼井融 graduated from Kagawa University, learned the techniques at a toy manufacturing company and then became independent. A 2002 news report introduced 臼井融 as working on original dolls in addition to Takamatsu Hariko and exploring new possibilities for hariko.
How to Buy
- かがわ物産館 栗林庵 (Kagawa Bussankan Ritsurin-an)
- A Kagawa Prefecture antenna shop beside the east gate of Ritsurin Garden (1-20-16 Ritsurin-cho, Takamatsu City) that carries traditional crafts from across the prefecture, such as Kagawa Lacquerware and Takamatsu Hariko. Opening hours are roughly 9:00 to 17:00 and vary by season. The items in stock also vary by season.Where to buy →PR
Hands-on Experiences
讃岐おもちゃ美術館 shop・cafe
香川県高松市大工町8-1 丸亀町くるりん駐車場1階
An experience of freely painting Hoko-san and maneki-neko (beckoning cat) hariko made by Traditional Craftsperson 乃村七重 has been offered for 1,500 yen. It takes about one hour, and reservations are required by 15:00 the day before. The period during which it is held may be limited, so please check in advance.
FAQ
Q. What legend is associated with Hoko-san?
A. It is said that a girl named O-Maki, who served a princess who had fallen ill, took the illness upon herself as the princess's substitute and died on a remote island. People praised O-Maki as 'Hoko-san,' and her figure is said to have become the doll. Some accounts place the story in the time when the Ikoma clan ruled the area.
Q. Is it different from Kagawa Prefecture's 'Hariko Tora'?
A. Takamatsu Hariko also include papier-mâché tigers, but the 'Hariko Tora' made in Mitoyo City is designated as a separate Kagawa Prefecture Designated Traditional Craft. Hariko Tora are displayed at times such as the Boys' Festival (Tango no Sekku) in the hope that children will grow up healthy, and they are characterized by their humorous look, with a pendulum-style head that sways.