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Traditional dolls in Japan are known by the name of 'ningyo', which means
'human figure' in Japanese. Some experts see a continuity in the making of
human images by the ancient Jomon culture in Japan (8000-200 B.C.E.) and in
the Haniwa funerary figures of the subsequent Kofun culture. Expert Alan Pate
notes that temple records refer to the making of a grass doll to be blessed and
thrown into the river at Ise Shrine in 3 B.C.; the custom was probably even more
ancient, but it is at the root of the modern Doll Festival or Hina Matsuri.
Momotarō (桃太郎) is a hero from Japanese folklore. His tale is extremely well-
known in Japan and East Asia. Literally meaning Peach Tarō, as Tarō is a
common Japanese boy's name, it is often translated as Peach Boy.
Kokeshi (小芥子 or こけし) are Japanese dolls, originally from northern Japan.
They are handmade from wood, have a simple trunk and a huge head with a few
thin, painted lines to define the face. The body has a floral design painted in red,
black, and sometimes yellow, and covered with a layer of wax. One characteristic
of Kokeshi dolls is their lack of arms or legs. The bottom is marked with the
signature of the artist.
Hina-matsuri (雛祭り) or Girls' Day, is held March 3. Platforms with a red cloth (緋
毛氈, hi-mōsen?) are used to display a set of ornamental dolls (雛人形, hina-
ningyō) representing the Emperor, Empress, attendants, and musicians in
traditional court dress of the Heian period.
Daruma (達磨 or だるま) also refers to a hollow and round Japanese wish doll with
no arms and legs, modelled after Bodhidharma. Typical colors are red (most
common), yellow, green, and white. The doll has a face with a moustache and
beard, but its eyes only contain the color white. Some dolls have written
characters on the cheeks explaining the kind of wish or desire the owner has in
mind, such as protection of loved ones. The surname of the owner may be
written on the chin.
'human figure' in Japanese. Some experts see a continuity in the making of
human images by the ancient Jomon culture in Japan (8000-200 B.C.E.) and in
the Haniwa funerary figures of the subsequent Kofun culture. Expert Alan Pate
notes that temple records refer to the making of a grass doll to be blessed and
thrown into the river at Ise Shrine in 3 B.C.; the custom was probably even more
ancient, but it is at the root of the modern Doll Festival or Hina Matsuri.
Momotarō (桃太郎) is a hero from Japanese folklore. His tale is extremely well-
known in Japan and East Asia. Literally meaning Peach Tarō, as Tarō is a
common Japanese boy's name, it is often translated as Peach Boy.
Kokeshi (小芥子 or こけし) are Japanese dolls, originally from northern Japan.
They are handmade from wood, have a simple trunk and a huge head with a few
thin, painted lines to define the face. The body has a floral design painted in red,
black, and sometimes yellow, and covered with a layer of wax. One characteristic
of Kokeshi dolls is their lack of arms or legs. The bottom is marked with the
signature of the artist.
Hina-matsuri (雛祭り) or Girls' Day, is held March 3. Platforms with a red cloth (緋
毛氈, hi-mōsen?) are used to display a set of ornamental dolls (雛人形, hina-
ningyō) representing the Emperor, Empress, attendants, and musicians in
traditional court dress of the Heian period.
Daruma (達磨 or だるま) also refers to a hollow and round Japanese wish doll with
no arms and legs, modelled after Bodhidharma. Typical colors are red (most
common), yellow, green, and white. The doll has a face with a moustache and
beard, but its eyes only contain the color white. Some dolls have written
characters on the cheeks explaining the kind of wish or desire the owner has in
mind, such as protection of loved ones. The surname of the owner may be
written on the chin.
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