About Miharu Ningyo (Miharu Doll)
Miharu Ningyo are clay dolls produced in Miharu Town, Tamura-gun, Fukushima Prefecture. Originating in the Edo period as folk toys, they include diverse types such as Miharu-koma (horses) and Miharu-daruma. Characterized by rustic yet vibrant painting on unglazed clay with gold decoration, the 'Miharu-koma' (horse figurine) is particularly known as a good luck charm that farming families displayed to pray for horse health and good harvests. A small number of craftspeople continue production today.
Techniques & Materials
Craft terms are shown in the original Japanese — these are proper names with no standard English equivalents.
Techniques
土型成形素焼き色彩絵付け金彩
Materials
地元粘土顔料金粉
Where to see & buy
Workshop names are in Japanese; links go to their official sites.