Catalog: New Century: Folk Art (25)

Hariko Ningyo (papier-mache folk doll). Height: 3". From Miyagi Prefecture, City of Sendai, this folk toy is an example of the tradition "Sendai Hariko". It is a rooster, one of the 12 animals of the Asian zodiac, and corresponds to the current year, 2005. It was made at the artisan studio of Takahashi Hashime, a long-time craftsman in Sendai...

Mayoke Yama Uba, Shinshuu (Nagano Prefecture.) Wood with bark intact, and straw rope. This folk toy depicts a Yama Uba (Mountain Hag) who is also called Yamamba in other parts of Japan. "Mayoke" means "amulet" or "charm," so the item is intended to ward off evil or bad luck, even though Yama Uba are often referred to in stories much like the bogey man is depicted in America...

Saitama Inu Hariko: painted paper; H.3" x L.3.5"; contemporary; Saitama Prefecture. The dog in Japanese folk lore symbolizes many things. This one can be a talisman for easy child birth (as dogs experience) and as a protector of children. Dogs in general are symbols of protection and loyalty, and also have the ability to recognize demons (and other animals such as fox and tanuki) in human form...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of "Daiko Uchi Onna" (Dancing Girl Holding Drum.) Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 2008. H.6.625"(17cm) x W.3.75"(10cm.) Excellent Condition. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture. They say the town’s name “mi’ (3) “haru” (spring) comes from the fact that the three famous blossoms of spring; plum, peach, and cherry, bloom here in profusion...

Miharu Nigyou papier-mache rooster. Height: 6". From the artisan studio of Hashimoto Hiroji in Miharu-machi (town), Fukushima Prefecture. In the Asian zodiac, the rooster corresponds with the current year 2005, in a 12-year cycle. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture. They say the town’s name “mi’ (3) “haru” (spring) comes from the fact that the three famous blossoms of spring; plum peach, and cherry, bloom here in profusion...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of "Ne Ushi" (Reclining Cow / Ox) made in 2008 for the Year of the OX in 2009. Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture. H.2.25"(5.5cm) x L.4.75"(12.5cm.) Excellent condition. Asian Zodiac Ox years: 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of a Yakko, the lower rank samurai manservant who often ran in front of the samurai retinue carrying banners, trunks, etc. He carries a lantern with the name "Sagamiya" on it. Pairs with MH-16. Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1991. H.7.75"(19.5cm) x W.3.125"(8cm.) excellent condition. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache dolls of Hina Ningyo (Imperial Couple) traditinally displayed in the month of March for Girls Day (March 3rd.) Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1992. Empress: H.4.875"(12cm) x W.3.625"(9.25cm,) Emperor: H.5.375"(13.5cm) x W.3.75"(9.5cm.) Condition Note: hat of Emperor cracked and repaired. Small crack on back of Emperor where sword protrudes from body...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of a Yakko, the lower rank samurai manservant who often ran in front of the samurai retinue carrying banners, trunks, etc. He carries a lantern with the name "Sagamiya" on it. Pairs with MH-14. Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of Daikoku, God of Wealth and one of the Seven Lucky Gods. Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1999. H.5.125"(13cm) x W.7"(18cm.) Excellent Condition. Here, Daikoku stands with arms outstretched, his kimono dispaying a pattern of pines, camellia, & wisteria, and the sleeves seemingly flapping in the wind. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture. They say the town’s name “mi’ (3) “haru” (spring) co...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of a Sumo Wrestler Daikoku, God of Wealth and one of the Seven Lucky Gods. Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1991. H.5.25"(13.5cm) x W.3.75"(9.5cm.) Excellent condition. This is a rare image of Daikoku-sama in a fundoshi (loin cloth) as a Sumo Wrestler! It is a great example of the playful nature of Miharu Ningyo. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture. They say the town’s name “mi’ (3) “haru” ...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of a Farmer Riding a Cow holding a sickle. A possible reference to the Kusakari Kannon (Grass Cutting Kannon (J. Kannon,[Goddess of Mercy,] Chinese - Kwan Yin/Guanyin, Sanskrit - Avalokitasvara.) Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1999. H.9.25"(23.5cm) x L.9.25"(23.5cm.) Cow has nodding head in the tradition of paper-mache "beko" cows/oxen of NE Japan. Excellent Condition. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Pre...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of Mother, Child, & Fox. Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1988. H.7.25"(8.5cm) x W.3.75"(9.5cm.) Excellent Condition. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture. They say the town’s name “mi’ (3) “haru” (spring) comes from the fact that the three famous blossoms of spring; plum, peach, and cherry, bloom here in profusion. This colorful backdrop, along with a scenic rural setting, and a long craft...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of Dancing Maiden with Fan, Sword, Bow & Arrows. Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1988. H.8.5"(21cm) x W.6.75"(17cm.) Very Good Condition, small 1/8" paint loss on bow. A highly expressive figure in the tradition of Miharu Ningyo Dancing Maidens. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture. They say the town’s name “mi’ (3) “haru” (spring) comes from the fact that the three famous blossoms of spri...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of Kabuki Actor Sitting on a Drum, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1987. H.6.5"(16.5cm) x W.4.5"(11.5cm.) Excellent condition. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture. They say the town’s name “mi’ (3) “haru” (spring) comes from the fact that the three famous blossoms of spring; plum, peach, and cherry, bloom here in profusion. This colorful backdrop, along with a scenic rural setting, and a long craft hist...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of elderly biwa (lute) player. Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1989. H.6"(15cm) x W.2.125"(5.5cm.) With lute strapped to his back and propped up with a cane, this strolling eldery musician looks composed and serene. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture. They say the town’s name “mi’ (3) “haru” (spring) comes from the fact that the three famous blossoms of spring; plum, peach, and cherry, bl...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of a Court Noble ("kuge") seated on a dias. Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1988. H.7.5"(19cm) x W.6.5"(16.5cm.) Very good condition, slight paper cracking where sword protrudes from back of body. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture. They say the town’s name “mi’ (3) “haru” (spring) comes from the fact that the three famous blossoms of spring; plum, peach, and cherry, bloom here in profus...

Miharu Hariko Papier-mache Doll; Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1987. Figure of girl, possibly an "oiran" (courtesean) with sake ewer ("hisage" / "kannabe.") H.4.75"(12cm) x W.3.25"(8.25cm.) Excellent condition. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture. They say the town’s name “mi’ (3) “haru” (spring) comes from the fact that the three famous blossoms of spring; plum, peach, and cherry, bloom here in profusion. This colorf...