History-Hakata Doll

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History-Doll Hakata

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

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.

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.

Hakta doll, Lladro, Hummel, Meissen

What are the differences of Hakata doll and other famous figures such as Lladro, Hummel or Meisen? The one of stand out dissimilarity is the main material. Hakata doll is made of clay, on the other hand, the dolls, created by Lladro, Hummel or Meisen, are mede of kaolin. In other words, Hakata doll is distinguished as ceramic doll, beside, the others distinguished as porcelain doll. Then, how difference between porcelain and ceramic? Firstly, one of the differences is the main material, as it has been noticed. The second one is its firing temperature. In fact normal firing temperature is approximately 1200℃, on the contrast, ceramic Hakata doll fired at much lower temperature, 800-900℃. As a result of this difference of firing temperature and material, you may find the surface of porcelain doll is sharp and glassy, on the other hand, Hakata doll's one is soft and unglazed. Then we could say the next difference between Hakata doll and doll by Lladro, Hummel or Meisen, is the way of painting. Porcelain doll is fired for glazing after it has been painted, but usually Hakata doll is not fired. As a result of this difference, the colour of Hakata doll will adjust your life as it is being your family.

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