What are the characteristics of Kimekomi Hina Dolls?
Kimekomi Hina Dolls are made by using a spatula to insert fabric such as Kinran (gold thread with gold leaf wrapped around the thread or woven fabric with gold leaf) into a body with carved grooves made by die-cutting.
The main material used for the body was paulownia wood powder mixed with glue to make a clay-like material, but in recent years, more and more urethane resins are being used.
Since the dolls are mainly produced in Tokyo or Iwatsuki in Saitama Prefecture, they have been designated as traditional crafts approved by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as Edo Kimekomi Hina Dolls.
One of the characteristics of Kimekomi Hina Dolls is that the artist’s individuality can be clearly seen, and since they can be freely shaped, it is possible to create original works.
The round shape of the doll gives it an elegant and cute appearance, and it is also characterized by its resistance to losing its shape.
Many of the dolls are palm-sized, so there is no need to worry about where to display them.
The difference between Kimekomi Hina Doll and Hina doll
Regular Hina dolls are characterized by their beautiful kimonos. Kimekomi Hina Dolls do not wear kimonos, and their shapes are often unique.
One of the differences is that Kimekomi Hina Dolls are often palm-sized and can be displayed compactly.
New Brand “Hana-Nishimo”
We made small, palm-sized dolls. These dolls are the same size as the Kimekomi Hina Dolls, but with kimonos on. These dolls are small, but have the beauty of kimono.
History of Kimekomi Hina Dolls
The history of Hinamatsuri(Girl’s festival) dates back to the middle of the Heian period (about 1000 years ago).
At that time, an event was held in early March to pray for good health.
Yin-yang masters prayed to the gods of heaven and earth and offered seasonal food. The custom of “Nagashi-hina”, in which people entrusted their misfortunes to a piece of paper and threw it into the sea or river to wish for good health, took root among the people.
In the Edo period (1603-1868), this custom gradually spread to the general public. It was around this time that the Kimekomi Hina Doll was born.
From the mid-Edo period onward, Kimekomi Hina Dolls became more Edo-style and their costumes became more luxurious.
Later, improvements were made to the dolls, and they became the Edo-style Kimekomi Hina Doll of today.
How to Make Kimekomi Hina Dolls
Kimekomi Hina Dolls are made in a unique way, and I would like to introduce the procedure of how they are made.
1. Make a prototype
The prototype of the doll is made of clay. The mold is made from clay.
Source: https://www.mataro-doll.com/kmkm_making
2. Fill a mold
The body is made by filling the mold with paulownia wood plastic.
Source: https://www.mataro-doll.com/kmkm_making
3. Remove from the mold
Remove the body of the doll from the mold.
Source: https://www.mataro-doll.com/kmkm_making
4. Clean the body
Allow the body to dry well. Then use a spatula to fill in small cracks and a file to clean it up.
Source: https://www.mataro-doll.com/kmkm_making
5. Coat with seashell powder(Gofun)
Prevents discoloration and makes it sturdy. It also has a smoothing effect on the surface.
Source:https://www.mataro-doll.com/kmkm_making
6. Make a groove
Making the grooves for inserting the cloth. This work affects the quality of the finished product, so use a carving knife to carve it to a certain width and depth.
Source:https://www.mataro-doll.com/kmkm_making
7. Fit the cloth into the groove
Apply glue to the grooves, and use a spatula or a hammer to embed the fabric cut according to the paper pattern.
Source:https://www.mataro-doll.com/kmkm_making
8. Make a face
Using an ultra-fine brush, the doll’s face is drawn using sumi ink and red pigment.
Source: https://www.mataro-doll.com/kmkm_making
9. Attaching the head
Attach the head, hands, etc. to the body.
Source: https://www.koikko.com/html/page3.html
10. Finishing
Brush your hair and do a final check.
Source: https://www.mataro-doll.com/kmkm_making
Compact and Popular? What kind of people are recommended to buy Kimekomi Hina Dolls?
In Japan, compact size dolls are very popular. Kimekomi Hina Dolls are perfect for such Japanese people.
They are popular because they can be displayed in a small space in the living room.
Their expressions have a gentle atmosphere, so they fit in well with the room.
It is recommended for people who want to display many dolls but do not have enough space.
