Kyoto Dolls (Kyo-ningyo)
DollsKansai
National Traditional Craft
Price range
¥10,000 ~ ¥1,000,000
Refined decorative dolls from Kyoto for Hina Matsuri and collector display.
Kyo-ningyo (Kyoto dolls) is a centuries-old doll-making tradition from Kyoto, encompassing various types including hina-ningyo (Girls' Day dolls), gogatsu-ningyo (Boys' Day warrior dolls), and ichimatsu-ningyo (friendship dolls). Artisans specialize in individually crafting each element — carved wooden heads with gofun (oyster-shell powder) finish, hand-sewn miniature silk garments using Nishijin-ori textiles, and delicately painted facial expressions. These dolls are treasured both as seasonal ritual objects and as refined art pieces.
Materials
Paulownia, silk, gold leaf
Techniques
Hand sculpting, dressing, face painting