Papier-mache Formed with Tōso and Covered with Washi Paper "Waves of Space"

Description

• Category
  Dolls
• Dimensions
  H 38.0 cm
• Year presented
  2023
• Rarity
  Unique

Techniques Used

Tōso dolls

Tōso dolls (tōso ningyō) are made of a modeling compound called tōso (a mixture of paulownia sawdust and paste) attached to a core of solid paulownia. Tōso can be freely fashioned while soft to produce all manner of forms. The molded forms are thoroughly dried before use to ensure that they won’t warp.

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.

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Selected exhibitions

• The 52nd Kinki Traditional Kōgei Exhibition (2023)
• Selected