Fushimi Ningyo－Fushimi dolls－

Fushimi dolls are clay figurines that were first made in the Fushimi area from the end of the Momoyama (1573-1615) to Edo (1615-1868) periods. There are various theories about their origin, but they are believed to have been first made using the clay soil of Mt. Inari near the Fushimi Inari Shrine, and sold and carried all over the country as talisman. They gave birth to the sayings like “If broken, children’s diseases will be healed,” and “If the pieces are sown in the fields, they will ensure a good harvest and stave off pests.” There were about 20 kilns that specialized in their production in Meiji period (1868-1912), but during the Shōwa era (1926-1989) they continued to close until there are only a few remaining at present.

Fushimi figurines are created in a variety of subjects. Originally, they were viewed as everyday objects and children’s toys often possessing religious or spiritual meanings by providing moral instruction, representing characters from legend or folklore, Shintō deities, and so forth.

Clay is filled into molds, creating two pieces of front and back or top and bottom before joined into one completed shape. There are about 2000 known types of molds. Many types of molds have been used since the Edo period (1615-1868) and often convey traditional customs and historical legends.

First a basecoat is applied with a brush covering the entire figurine with white chalk pigment (gofun).

The figurines are then painted with a mixture of color pigment and glue. Larger areas of color are painted first, followed by smaller areas of details. The pigment and glue mixture is warmed during application to prevent hardening, carefully applying each color one by one until complete.

The fox is one of the most important motifs of Fushimi figurines due to its divine association with the Inari Fushimi Shrine. It is most commonly shown holding regalia like a sacred orb and carrying a scroll in its mouth, or with a precious jewel attached to its tail. They are often depicted in pairs used to flank the left and right sides of a household shrine.   

Saigyō was an actual historical person. His common name was Satō Norikiyo, and he was a samurai guarding the north gate of Emperor Toba’s palace. He renounced the material world and became a priest, traveling throughout Japan by foot creating many famous episodes. He was admired as a great poet and was often depicted as an itinerant monk with a wrapping cloth on his back. It is a visual representation of the moral teaching that even if you fall and break your neck you are steadfast and will not let go of the possessions on your back. It is considered a talisman to protect from burglary.

Fushimi figurines include many zodiac animals and festival dolls. Some of the most popular include standing courtier dolls of the Doll Festival (Hinamatsuri), the demon Shōki of the bean-throwing festival (Setsubun), and the hero Kintoki of the Boy’s Festival (Gogatsu no sekku).