About Iwatsuki Ningyo (Iwatsuki Doll)
Iwatsuki Ningyo are traditional dolls produced in Iwatsuki Ward, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture. Starting from the early Edo period, it ranks among Japan's leading production areas for hina dolls, samurai (Children's Day) dolls, and warrior dolls. Leveraging its proximity to Edo (Tokyo), it developed by incorporating Edo culture and demand. Many doll makers and craftsmen are still concentrated here, with the area ranking at the top domestically in hina doll production. The annual 'Iwatsuki Doll Festival' attracts tourists.
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）胡粉絹生地金具
Where to see & buy
Workshop names are in Japanese; links go to their official sites.
- 岩槻人形博物館 hands-on experience