About Shimokawara Tsuchi Ningyo (Shimokawara Clay Doll)
Shimokawara Tsuchi Ningyo are folk clay dolls from the Shimokawara district of Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture. Made using Tsugaru region clay, unglazed figures are pressed in molds and decorated with simple colors. Featuring many auspicious and farming-related subjects such as daruma, horses, and human figures, they have been passed down as folk toys born from Tsugaru farming life. Known as one of the representative clay dolls of Tohoku folk craft, carrying the spirit of Tsugaru's landscape and people's wishes.
Techniques & Materials
Craft terms are shown in the original Japanese — these are proper names with no standard English equivalents.
Techniques
型押し成形素焼き彩色絵付け
Materials
津軽粘土顔料
Where to see & buy
Workshop names are in Japanese; links go to their official sites.
- 下川原土人形工房（産地にご確認ください）