Hakata Doll-Japanese Beauty

The changing of simple biscuit fired toys to beautiful artworks occurred in the end of 19th century. A master craftsman whose name is Rokusaburo Shirouzu began to study colouring, balance of human frame and other modern artistic skill under instruction by Itusyo Yada who was oil painter. Since then Hakata dolls are crafted more realistically. As the result of Rokusaburo Shirouzu and his pupils (e.g.Yoichi Kojima and Kihei Harada.) effort Yoichi Kojima was awarded the gold prize in the Paris world's exposition held in 1925. Kihei Harada and Yoichi Oayu are awarded the silver prize in the same world exposition. This was exactly what Hakata doll got worldwide fame, and Hakata doll thereafter was exported to many countries.

There are several theories of the origin of Hakata dolls. According to recent academic research, the primary origin is from China. In fact, several archaeological evidences like simple biscuit fired toys have been found after excavation of Hakata. On the other hand, according to the legend, its history dates back to the beginning of the 17th century when Hakata town was ruled by Nagamasa Kuroda. A roof tile craftsman called Souhiti Masaki, gifted clay dolls to the load Kuroda. At this age, Hakata dolls were called as Hakata Suyaki dolls (Suyaki means unglazed) Besides, Hakata has a famous festival which named Hakata Gion Yamakasa (Yamakasa means float). In this well known festival, it's participant pull gorgeously decorated Ningyo (Doll) Yamakasa floats. Although the floats itself are not made of clay but by wood, it is believed that these methods of making floats are strongly influenced on early age of Hakata doll.

Hakata doll, named after production of region in Japan, are distinguished unglazed clay dolls.