Edo kimekomi dolls & Artificial flowers

Sprout, burst into bud

It is the sprouting season, when plants and flowers burst into bud.

In Tale of Artisans Vol.2, the theme is “moyuru”, where two crafts will be introduced: “Edo Kimekomi Dolls”, which are entwined with multicolored textiles as if they are in bloom, and “Artificial Flowers”, where said dolls have flowers added to them. We would be delighted if something new is suddenly born in your heart, like a sprout breaking through the soil. Please take your time, and enjoy them as much as you can.

What is “Edo Kimekomi Dolls”?

Edo Kimekomi Dolls are said to have originated in the mid-Edo period, when Tadashige Takahashi, a servant of the Kamigamo Shrine in Kyoto and of the Horikawa family, made a nick in a wood carving doll, then stuffed fabric into the incision. At the time, they were called Kamo Dolls because they were made in Kamo, but they came to be called Kimekomi Dolls (“kimekomi” meaning making slits in wood), because of the way they are made by inserting fabric into incisions in wood, and eventually, they were introduced to Edo. As Edo developed into a cultural and political center, dollmakers moved from Kyoto to Edo, and the Kimekomi Dolls took root in the city there, adopting local styles.

What is “Artificial Flowers”?

The craftsmen who make the artificial tachibana flowers and cherry blossoms accompanying Hina dolls, as well as the ornamental plants held by child dolls in their hands, are called “Zokashi (artificial flower makers)”.

Just as a single petal of a cherry blossom is composed of many parts, from the petal to the pistil, stamen, sepal, branches, and stem, making artificial flowers requires persistence and artisanal skill to carefully complete each of the many steps involved.

Tale of Artisans Vol.2 "Moyuru"

Shiba district in Tokyo is a place where you can still feel the wind of Edo-era. Shiba Park Hotel is a good old hotel that has weaved its way through time in harmony with the traditions and culture of this area. Shiba Park Hotel is also a library hotel with a diverse collection of books. We hold an exhibition called “Tale of Artisans” which tell stories of traditions (tales) that they have developed and nurtured.

Date

March 7 (Mon.), 2021 – June 12 (Sun.), 2022

Time

11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Place

1F Library Lounge/ 2F Foyer Book & Culture

Fare

Admission Free

Curator: Nipponnowaza.com
(Managed by Braincafe Co., Ltd.)