About Kyo Ningyo (Kyoto Dolls)
Kyo Ningyo is the collective term for traditional dolls produced in Kyoto City. Developed from Heian court culture, it encompasses diverse types including Gosho dolls, Kamo dolls, costume dolls, and hina dolls. Characterized by refined facial features and exquisite silk costumes, it crystallizes the technique and aesthetic sensibility of 'the doll capital' Kyoto. Kyoto's craft techniques—Nishijin silk weaving, gold decoration, embroidery—are all concentrated in doll production.
Techniques & Materials
Craft terms are shown in the original Japanese — these are proper names with no standard English equivalents.
Techniques
桐塑成形胡粉塗り衣装縫製金彩
Materials
桐塑（とうそ）胡粉西陣織・正絹生地金箔
Where to see & buy
Workshop names are in Japanese; links go to their official sites.