Toukou Kiln Mori Kutani Hina Dolls with Mini Tatami Mat
These Kutani ware hina dolls are beautifully crafted in vibrant colors and decorated using the mori-e technique, which is akin to the slip trailing technique. The emperor is clothed in an black kimono with finely detailed mori-e designs of floral and leaf patterns, while the empress is adorned in attire that creatively reimagines a traditional kimono. Elevating the elegance of these dolls is the presence of a golden obi and ornate collar.
Adding to their allure is the golden screen imparting an extra layer of grandeur to the presentation. Gold is often seen as representing hope for a radiant and prosperous future.
The hina dolls are thoughtfully paired with a mini tatami mat made in Shizuoka Prefecture. Intricately woven from washi paper, they are smooth to the touch and are resistant to color fading. The edges of the tatami are referred to as tatamiberi, which often feature a variety of exquisite patterns. The pattern chosen for this mini tatami is called kenran, a highly sophisticated and elegant design.
March 3rd of each year marks the traditional Japanese festival of Hinamatsuri, also known as the Peach Festival, during which hina dolls are displayed in homes. These hina dolls embody the heartfelt blessings of parents and elders for their daughters, expressing hopes for the girls' health and robust growth, and for their future happiness in family and marriage.
Enjoying and arranging hina dolls with children is also a very warm and joyful experience. As these hina dolls are exquisitely beautiful and adorable, they are also very suitable for home decoration. With their distinct beauty, they are also well-suited as gifts for family and friends.
Toukou Kiln, a renowned Kutani ware workshop and wholesaler, specializes in crafting auspicious items like lucky cats, owls, and treasure ships. Owner Yoneda Kazuo, a third-generation artisan, has honed his skills through generations of knowledge. Yoneda acquired a strong foundation in molding, overglaze porcelain, and painting techniques. His true mastery shines through in nishiki-mori, an exceptional painting technique within the realm of Kutani ware.
Yoneda employs mori-e, using thick paint squeezed out of an icchin, a dispenser with a fine tip.
PRODUCT DETAIL
- Quality: 2 dolls. 1 mini tatami mat, 1 golden screen
- Dimension: Emperor: 4.7 cm (1.9 in) x 10 cm (3.9 in) x H17 cm (6.7 in) / Empress: 4.7 cm (1.9 in) x 5.7 cm (1.5 in) x H14 cm (2.6 in) / Mini tatami mat: 22 cm (8.7 in) x 14 cm (5.5 in) x 2 cm (0.8 in)
- Material: Porcelain, Washi paper
- Origin: Made in Japan - Kutani ware
- Brand: Toukou Kiln
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ABOUT TOUKOU KILN
Toukou Kiln is a Kutani ware kiln and wholesaler that mainly produces auspicious items such as beckoning cats, owls, treasure ships, and the seven gods of good fortune. The owner, Kazuo Yoneda, is the third generation, having studied under his father and grandfather. He learned the basics of molding, overglaze porcelain painting, and general techniques, and continued his research to improve all of his techniques.
His specialty is "Nishiki-mori," a painting technique unique to Kutani ware. He uses a method called "Ichichin-mori," in which a special cream-like paint called "Mori-enogu" is applied using a piping bag. The paintings are painted carefully with the awareness that overglaze painting is the life of Kutani ware.
About kutani ware
Kutani ware is a pottery produced in the Kaga region of Ishikawa Prefecture and it has a history of over 350 years. It is characterized by the heavy brilliance of the five colors of green, yellow, red, purple, and navy blue that are applied to the bold and daring lines. Its long history has evolved through the tireless efforts and enthusiasm of people who have sought innovation while maintaining tradition.
The beauty of the various styles and methods of painting is known as "Japan Kutani" and is highly regarded around the world.
