Introducing the process of making Hina dolls.
Head
Apply a layer of gofun (seaweed powder) to the head that has been cut out with a wooden mold, and prepare the eyes, nose, and mouth.
Gofun is a white pigment made by baking clam, oyster, and scallop shells.
The production of hina dolls is a division of labor. There is a specialized craftsman for each part. There is a craftsman who draws the face, another who ties the hair, and another who dresses the doll.
Arm
To adjust the angle of the arms and make it easier to shape, insert wire into the body made of straw.
The wire needs to be inserted straight into the body.
Cutting the cloth
Washi (Japanese Paper) is used as a backing to make the fabric taut. The fabric is cut into sections, such as the collar, kimono, sleeves, and hem.
Sewing
The cut collar, kimono, sleeves, and hem are each sewn together to tailor the costume. Skilled sewing skills are required to sew together in millimeter increments.
Dressing (Hem)
The doll’s costume is tailored by dividing it into parts such as collar, kimono, sleeves, and hem. The dress is put on from the hem. While keeping an eye on the balance, dress the doll as if you were wrapping it around the body.
Dressing (Collar)
The collar is an important point that enhances the face. It is made by layering several pieces of cloth. Since each piece of cloth is made of a different color, the layers are shifted slightly so that each color can be seen. Carefully stack the pieces so that the distance between them is the same.
Dressing (Kimono, Sleeves)
The collar is an important point that enhances the face. It is made by layering several pieces of cloth. Since each piece of cloth is made of a different color, the layers are shifted slightly so that each color can be seen. Carefully stack the pieces so that the distance between them is the same.
Finishing
Bend the wire stuck in the body at the shoulders and elbows to form the shape of a hina doll. This is the most important step in creating the doll’s shape. The position of the arms determines the appearance of the doll. It is very difficult to make each doll exactly the same, because even a slight difference in angle can cause imbalance.
Attach the head
Attach the head straight in and you’re done. Insert it so that it is looking straight ahead, not upward or downward.
The faces may all look the same, but each has its own personality.
Some have slitted eyes and a crisp expression, while others have a gentle smiling expression.
