About Otsu Hariko (Otsu Papier-mâché)
Otsu Hariko is a papier-mâché folk craft passed down in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture. Born as a specialty product of Otsu-juku, which flourished as the junction of the Tokaido and Nakasendo highways in the Edo period, it spread as souvenirs for travelers. Characterized by dolls, toys, and ornaments made by layering washi paper and painting after drying, with tigers, daruma, and hyottoko (funny faces) as representative lucky charm subjects. Beloved for their rustic, humorous expressions and vivid coloring, these papier-mâché crafts continue to be passed down by craftspeople as folk art rich in Shiga and Omi regional culture.
Techniques & Materials
Craft terms are shown in the original Japanese — these are proper names with no standard English equivalents.
Techniques
Materials
Where to see & buy
Workshop names are in Japanese; links go to their official sites.