Hanamaki Doll
花巻人形
"A doll is no longer just a doll; it has become a carrier of love."
-Liu
花巻人形
"A doll is no longer just a doll; it has become a carrier of love."
-Liu
Hanamaki dolls originated in Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture, during the Kyoho era (1716–1735) under artisan Zenshiro Ota. Their origins are said to date back to Tsutsumi dolls in Sendai and Fushimi dolls in Kyoto. The "Three Great Clay Dolls of Tohoku" are Tsutsumi dolls from Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. The production of Hanamaki dolls was temporarily halted after the last craftsman passed away in 1959, but they were restored by Hiraga Kogei Co., Ltd. in 1974. Hiraga Emiko of Hiraga Kogei is the current sole maker of Hanamaki dolls. Hiraga Kogei was originally run by Emiko's father-in-law. Then, the local government asked them to revive Hanamaki dolls, production of which had ceased in 1959, and Magozaemon and his son, Shoichi, began making them in 1972. After Emiko married Shoichi, she helped him and learned how to make dolls. Shoichi was mainly in charge of painting the dolls. After Magozaemon passed away, Emiko took over the job. After her husband, Shoichi, passed away in 1999, Emiko has continued to preserve the tradition of Hanamaki dolls by herself.
Material and Design
Made from local Hanamaki clay, these dolls are hand-molded and painted with vibrant colors. Vivid colors such as red and blue are used.
Types
Common figures include lucky items such as Emperor and Empress dolls, stories of old tales, and scenes from daily life.
Significance
Hanamaki dolls are simple, gentle, and somewhat humorous.
The two YouTube videos mainly show the Hanamaki Dolls from every angle.
Description: The experience class is taught by Hiraga Emiko of Hiraga Kogei Co., Ltd., and participants will paint a doll depicting the next year's zodiac sign, the horse.
Location: Hanamaki City Museum Lecture and Experience Learning Room
Event Date and Time: July 27, 2025 (Sun), 1:30pm to 3pm
Price: Around 2,000 yen. Prices vary depending on the type of doll.
Online:
"The story behind Hanamaki dolls is touching. It made me realize that love and longing are the driving forces behind the creation of every doll. A doll is no longer just a doll; it has become a carrier of love. I hope more people learn about Hanamaki dolls and pass them on."
By Liu Ka Yi
https://hanamaki-ningyo.stores.jp/
https://www.kanko-hanamaki.ne.jp/goods/article.php?p=496
https://www.city.hanamaki.iwate.jp/bunkasports/bunka/1019887/1008981/1009017/1023569.html
https://makimaki-hanamaki.com/2693
https://youtu.be/k1ukgV2W4As?si=vgzR4IGsgOgGJ-Bo
https://youtu.be/ry0BJ6ykzFI?si=qmvGRx1Ky3yUNfDO
https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2Fv%2F196bPGCZsz%2F&sa=D
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