The origin of Kimekomi Dolls is not certain. However, it is said that during the Genbun Era (1736-1741), Takahashi, a subject of the Horikawa family of a Chief Priest of Kamo-Shine in Kyoto, carved dolls from scrap wood pieces of willow boxes, which were used a the shrine’s annual festival. In those days, narrow grooves were carved in the willow wood and the left-over fabrics from the shrine’s priests’ robes were stuffed into the grooves to dress the dolls. Therefore, the dolls were considered very expensive quality gifts.
Later, during the Bunka Era, Daihachi Takahashi, Tadashige’s descendent, was an excellent doll-making craftsman and created dolls of t40-50 cm called “Daihachi Dolls, Yanagi (willow) Dolls or Kamo Dolls. They become the originals of today’s Kimokomi Dolls.
In 1979 the ‘Kimekomi Doll’ was officially approved by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry as a Japanese Traditional art.
CARE OF KIMEKOMI DOLL
The body of the doll is crafted out of modeling compound consisting of a mixture of wheat starch and paulownia sawdust.
This mixture is molded into a body shape and ried for 4-5 days. Grooves (mizo) are cut in the body for the edges and seams of the clothing. Silk, brocade, and cotton fabric is tucked and glued into the grooves
It is important to not get the Kimekomi Doll wet,
The doll should be kept out of direct sunlight to protect the colors and silk cloth.
The head is made of paulownia sawdust, plaster and /or porcelain. Polished fofun (crushed oyster shell) is used to complete the head and facial features are painted on by artists. For many years, talented artisans where the ones who Made these dolls but their numbers are diminishing.
Please remember that the heads must be handled with special care so as to not to get dirty or damaged. Touching the gofun can cause damage to the head.
KIMEKOMI DOLL CLASS
MAE COTTON, INSTRUCTOR
Cell Phone (671) 688-4121
Email: mae@guam.net
