Nagahama Clay Dolls

Place of origin: Isehara City, Kanagawa Prefecture

Donated by Shikano Ichio

These clay dolls were first made around the Meiwa era (1764–1771) in the Nagahama district of Hamada City in Shimane prefecture. Nagahama dolls supposedly originated with two Korean potters who were brought to Japan during the Japanese invasions of Korea between 1592–1598.

The doll on display was crafted by Watanabe Sekihō, a native of Shimane prefecture, using clay molds at his kiln in Isehara City.