Doll Papier-mâché Covered with Washi Paper in Kimekomi Method “Oh”

H 22.0 cm,Year.2026

Hiromi Oka

Dolls
Awarded 9 times at the Japan Kōgei Assoc. Exhibition
Price Range Please Inquire

The 73rd Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition Period : Sep.2.2026 - Mar.7.2027

Description

Category

Dolls
Dimensions

H 22.0 cm
Year presented

2026
Rarity

Unique

Techniques Used

Papier-mâché dolls (harinuki ningyō) are made using one of two methods. The first method, known as uchibari (“inner pasting”), is done by taking a plaster mold of a clay form. Washi paper is then built up on the inside of the mold to create the body of the doll. Once dry, the doll is removed from the mold, and the shape is touched up with tōso (a modeling compound made of paulownia sawdust and paste). The surface of the doll is coated with a white paint of pulverized shells called gofun and further decorated with colored paint and pieces of fabric or washi paper. For the second method, known as sotobari (“outer pasting”), layers of paper are added to a wooden form to create the doll.

Kimekomi

Fabric is tightly tucked into narrow grooves on the doll’s torso. The grooves are cut to align with the seams of the outfit and an adhesive is applied to secure the fabric in place. In addition to securing the outfit, kimekomi is used to create subtle details on the final outfit.