About Edo Kimekomi Dolls
Edo Kimekomi Dolls are wooden dolls produced primarily in Taito and Sumida wards, Tokyo. Originating in 1740 when a shrine official at Kyoto's Kamigamo Shrine carved a doll from willow wood and tucked fabric into grooves. The technique of inserting fabric into carved grooves (kimekomi) to represent clothing is its hallmark. Today they are the premium tier of hina dolls and samurai dolls, with craftsmen spending months to a year per piece.
Techniques & Materials
Craft terms are shown in the original Japanese — these are proper names with no standard English equivalents.
Techniques
木目込み胡粉塗り御髪（かもじ）取り付け
Materials
桐塑（とうそ）胴体生地（正絹・金襴）胡粉
Where to see & buy
Workshop names are in Japanese; links go to their official sites.