Katahera dolls

Unique to the Inaba region, Katahera dolls make endearing decorations for the Boy’s Day festival. These dolls are delicately made from thin strips of wood by skilled craftsmen in the Nikakimachi ward of Tottori City. The crude, simple construction makes watching the tiny, wooden warriors compete for bravery all the more intriguing.
All the excitement of the calvary and a castle fit into a remarkable 180cm. According to historical records in the Hōki-min-dan-ki, this doll emerged when the ruling Ikeda family lived in the Mikawa Yoshida region. That is why they were sometimes referred to as “Yoshida Zaiku.” Similar dolls are made throughout the former Yoshida region, including Himeji and Bizen in the Inaba province and Yonago and Kurayoshi in the Hoki province.

Octagonal stand

Body: Umbrella part/Chestnut material
Leg part/Zelkova material
Finish: Natural lacquer (wipe-applied lacquer) finish
Japanese paper: Insyu Japanese paper

Tottori Folkcraft Woodworking
The first-generation owner, Fukada Akira, studied under Torao Masaji and received guidance from folk craftsman Yoshida Shoya, and took the path of folkcraft woodworking. The second-generation owner, Fukada Yutaka, inherited the spirit of folkcraft and the “Tottori Folkcraft Woodworking” of natural wood and natural lacquer, and strives to create works that will please the users.

 

Transformation with Masks: Exhibition of papier-mâché masks from Yanagiya

Yanagiya’s local toys have long been loved in Tottori. Among them, “hariko,” which are made by pasting Japanese paper over and over in a mold, are attractive for their generous forms that enhance the charm of the toys. In this exhibition, popular papier-mache masks from Yanagiya, such as “Shojo,” “Inaba no Shirousagi,” and “Nuke,” will be on display, and a photo corner will be set up where visitors can actually put on a mask and take pictures. Come and transform yourself into a legendary character with Yanagiya’s unique masks!

Dates｜July 2 (Tue) – August 4 (Sun), 2024 *Closed on Mondays 9:00 -17:00
Venue｜Aoya Washi Workshop Lobby (313 Yamane, Aoya-cho, Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture 689-0514 )
Admission｜Free
Planning｜YANAGIYA REPRODUCT