5 Japanese Traditional Dolls: Daruma, Kimekomi, and More

Japanese have special cultuer and feeling for dolls,they are made for house shrines, as gifts or for festivals such as “Hinamatsuri” (the doll festival), or “Kodomo no Hi” (The Children’s Day), or even found in the figurine of anime characters. Let’s take a glence at the dolls from Japanese culture.

Hina Ningyo

Hinamatsuri, also known as Doll’s Day or Girls’ Day, held on 3rd of March each year. Hina Ningyo are the type of doll that are displayed in family homes which with girls in the ceremony period, for the daughters’ healthy growth and happiness. Set of Hina dolls consists of Emperor, Empress, three court ladies, five male musicians, two ministers and three samurai, They are displayed on platforms according to their status.

Daruma

Daruma dolls are spherical dolls painted in red and white which represent Bodhidharma, founder of Zen. It is believed that they bring luck. It is customary to fill in one pupil with a marker when you set a goal, and once the goal has been achieved you can then fill in the second eye. Afterwards, Daruma are typically burned in a special ceremony.

Kokeshi Doll

Kokeshi are simple wooden dolls with no arms and legs that have been created for more than 100 years as a toy for children or decoration. Thanks to their unique design and cute shape, these dolls become excellent souvenir idea. They are originating from Tohoku, the northern area of Japan. Many souvenir shops that have Kokeshi dolls are located at Nakamise shopping street in Asakusa, but you can now get it from Buyee too.

Kimekomi Doll

Kimekomi Dolls can be most typically found in Japan’s souvenir stores and craft outlets. Many of the highest quality dolls crafted in Japan nowadays are Kimekomi Dolls. which made by traditional method for crafting dolls starting with a wood base. Kimekomi comes with craft technique that was created in Kyoto, they are also available for people who can design clothes of the doll by themselves.

Hakata Doll

Many of craftsman from different regions of Japan are noted for their dolls making skill, but Hakata dolls are perhaps the most famous above all. Hakata Dolls are the traditional Fukuoka craft that range from fine crafts to accessories sold at souvenir shops. They are a type of bisque porcelain which are fired but not glazed, their porcelain skin is synonym of Japanese women’s beautiful skin.

After Word

Traditional Japanese dolls are come in few different varieties and ranges from fine crafts to wooden dolls. They are not only an decorative object or kid’s toy but also have special meaning for Japanese culture, as well as, they are a part of people’s life. We believe that you could also find the one which only belongs to you here.

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