Japanese Paper Doll

Japanese paper dolls found it’s origin in a paper doll called ” Anesama Ningyou”, which was favored by girls of all ages throghout Japan during the last 500 years. These dolls were made out of Japanese Washi paper and cotton. In Japan, hundreds of theses dolls were baded on charactrers from famous Kabuki, Bunraku, Noh and Ukiyoe paintings which depicted  the folk cultures, traditions, social class and historical periods.  These Japanese Paper Dolls do not have  eyes, nose or mouth, because it  is said that the facial expression changes according to the imaginations of the owner or maker.

I love making Japanese paper dolls.  Even before one can begin to make a Japanese paper doll, s/he must sort through layers and layers of sheets of Japanese paper (washi) and carefully select which colors and patterns to use. The artist must imagine how these layers of washi will eventually become a beautiful doll. Folding, cutting and gluing… the many sheets of washi become Geisha dolls or Maiko dolls or other traditional Japanese dolls. The transformation of delicate washi to a full, complete paper doll is amazing!! Every doll has its own history and story; this is what I love about washi ningyu. Washi Ningyu allows us to go back in time and learn Japanese history and culture- all this through the making of a doll!