Hakata was a town of merchants next to the samurai city, Fukuoka. What was once the wealthiest town in Japan, Hakata also experienced the highest mortality rate from starvation (one third of population) in 1713 after a natural disaster hit western Japan. The Japanese developed their own culture without the influence from foreign cultures for 250 years when the country was closed throughout the Edo period (1603-1868). Clay dolls started out as talisman figures; they were souvenir dolls for the pilgrims and festival dolls later. They were made throughout Japan during the Edo period. When the country opened its doors in the mid 1800s (Edo to Meiji period), the clay doll makers in Hakata grabbed the new opportunity. Some of them studied human anatomy (very new to Japanese then) at the Kyushu University to learn about the human body. They learned to carve and paint from famous artists. Equipping themselves with these new tools which were gushing into Japan at the beginning of the Meiji period, they eventually turned their folk clay dolls into artistic figures.

ABOUT THIS DOLL: This is a stunningly beautiful Hakata ningyo without question. This was made by a Hakata ningyo(doll) artist; it was not one of the many dolls that was mass produced. The softness of the colorings and detail in her kimono (Kyoto Yuzen) did not fully come out in the photos. The doll is modeled after oiran, a courtesan from the Edo period, or we may simply call her Genroku bijin (a beautiful woman from Genroku era). Her face is coated with gofun (a mixture of ground oyster shell and animal glue). The doll has a Kosode (kimono with small sleeves worn in the Edo period (1603-1868) with an obi belt tied in the front. Their obis became more elaborate in the front later in the period. Her hairdo is called “Hyogo mage” which was popular among the courtesans in the late 16th century and later became popular for a short period of time with other women. The label on the box was written with "Hakata Ningyo" and the owner's name. The last letter of the name indicates family. The original label appears to be missing from the box. 14 1/2" tall. Box: 5 3/8" x 4 1/8" x 16"