Hakata dolls, one of Fukuoka’s traditional handicrafts, are unglazed porcelain figurines characterized by their smooth white skin. It has various staple characters, and the most popular one is without a doubt the “Beautiful one”, a representation of a beautiful kimono lady. This Hakata doll’s gorgeously smooth face and beauty is the dream of many Japanese women.
History
Hakata dolls have a long history, and it is said that many craftsmen were gathered when Kuroda Nagamasa entered Chikuzen in 1600, and unglazed dolls were born from those craftsmen, laying the foundation for the current traditional crafts. In the latter half of the Edo period, master craftsmen such as Sochi Masaki (yaki), Yoshibei Nakanoko, and Takehei Shiramizu played an active role in the industry, and the industry became active and distributed nationwide. In the Meiji era, it received high praise at international expositions such as Paris, and became known as the “Hakata doll” as a doll representing Japan, and it has also been exported overseas. Today, people can meet the heartbeat of puppeteers on the streets of Hakata. Reliefs, special events, facilities, etc. exist everywhere in the city of Hakata. As you get to know the history and background of each, you can feel the passion for Hakata dolls rooted in Hakata.
Making Process
Clay is erected on the potter’s wheel and finished like carving a doll.
Take a mold with plaster. The more complicated the work, the more molds are made.
Clay is put on the mold taken from the prototype, dried and assembled.
After making the foundation of the skin part, coloring work with pigments.
I will scrape the part of the face. Bring the doll’s life to life by performing “lipstick insertion,” “eye insertion,” and “eyebrow brushing.”
It is completed after about 20 to 60 days.
Kind of Hakata Dolls
When you think of Hakata dolls, you may think of them as being a little formal when placed between the alcove or on the cabinet. However, there are few pure Japanese-style houses like in the past, but rather modern homes centered on Western-style homes are increasing. You can casually decorate your living room, or welcome visitors with a shoe box or cabinet at the entrance. Of course, if you put it in the bedroom, it will heal the owner of the room gently. A way of decorating that oozes the sensibilities of the inhabitants without being bound by conventional concepts. Hakata dolls, a traditional craft that perfectly fuses Japanese and Western styles, must have a new life.
“Fujin and Raijin” Shuichi
“Doyamakasa” by Hiroyuki
“Hanabuki” by Akirasaku
Hakata Doll Calender
Jan (Mutsuki)
July (Fumizuki)
Feb (Kisaragi)
August (Hazuki)
March (Yayoi)
Sept (Nagatsuki)
April (Uzuki)
Oct (Kannazuki)
May (Satsuki)
Nov (Shimotsuki)
Jun (Minamizuki)
Dec (master run)
For more detail about hakata dolls, please go to official website (Japanese only): http://www.hakataningyo.or.jp/
Hakata Doll Making & Painting Experiences
If you are looking for something interesting to do in Fukuoka, don’t forget to try this one. It can be arrange for student group, leisure, or incentive group. Just contact us for more information!