“Embraced” Papier-mache covered with whitewash and paper

• Category
  Dolls
• Dimensions
  H 23.0 cm
• Year of creation
  2018
• Rarity
  Unique

Papier-mâché dolls

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.

Kamibari

“Pasted paper.” Designs are created by applying dyed washi paper.

• The 65th Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition (2018)
• Selected