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...

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...

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; Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, ca. 1986. H.7.5"(19cm) x W.5"(12.5cm.) Figure of a Hikyaku (Courier.) Condition Notes: Cracks to paper on right leg, left arm kimono sleeve, and right hand. Helmet re-glued to head. See enlargements. The Hikyaku was the express messenger or courier of the feudal period, running messages and mail between post towns. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll. Mother nursing child. H.5.5"(14cm) x W.4.375"(11cm,) ca. 1987. Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture. Excellent condition. The wonderful image of a bare-breasted woman and suckling child is one of the more popular Miharu Hariko figures. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture...

Miharu Hariko, Papier-mache doll; Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1987. H.9.5"(24cm) x W.6.5"(16.5cm.) Figure of Sugawara no Michizane; a politician, poet, and scholar (845-903.) Excellent condition. The story of Michizane (Tenjin-sama) is well-known in Japan. He was a politician and scholar in the ancient Imperial capitol of Kyoto...

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...

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 Hariko papier-mache doll of Young Maiden Carrying Water Buckets. Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1988. H.7.5"(19cm) x W.5.5"(14cm.) 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...

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 of Samurai on Horseback armed with sword, bow & arrows. Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca.1988. H.7.5"(19cm) x L.7"(18cm.) 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 s...

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 Daikoku, God of Wealth & one of the Seven Lucky Gods. Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1988. H.5.5"(14cm) x W.3.625"(9.25cm.) Very Good condition, small paint crack on right shoulder. Daikoku stands poised with raised mallet, his magic hammer that creates an explosion of gold when struck. 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 t...

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 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 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 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. They say the town’s name “mi’ (3) “haru” (spring) comes from the fact...

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. 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. They say the town’s name “mi’ (3) “haru” (spring) comes from the fac...