About Tōso Dolls
桐塑という桐の木の粉に、のりを混ぜて粘土状にしたものを桐の木の芯につけて制作される人形をさします
| What are Tōso Dolls |
Tōso dolls are made by attaching a clay-like material, created by mixing paulownia wood powder with glue, to a core made of paulownia wood. Since the clay-like material is soft and pliable, it can be freely shaped into various forms. It is important to dry the shaped material thoroughly to prevent it from distorting later.
| Making Process of Tōso dolls |
①Create the head, body, and limbs with the clay-like tōso material and let them dry
②Apply Japanese paper to the head and feet, coat them with gofun (white pigment), polish, and then paint the hair and face.
③Carve grooves along the seams of the kimono and tuck the fabric into these grooves to attach the costume.
④Attach the head and feet to the body to complete the doll
〈What is Kimekomi〉
When dressing the doll's body, grooves are carved along the seams of the fabric. Glue is placed in these grooves, and the edges of the fabric are pushed into the grooves with a spatula to secure the costume. Detailed patterns of the costumes are often represented using the kimekomi technique.
＜Source: "What is Traditional Kōgei?" Edited by Japan Kōgei Association East Japan Branch / Published by Unsodo, P.57>
