Place of origin: Akita City, Akita Prefecture
Donated by Shikano Ichio
Made in the Yatsuhashi area of present-day Akita City between 1772–1789, Yabase clay dolls are characterized by their bright colours and simple, rustic warmth. While no clear written record of their origins exist, the production of Yabase dolls is said to have started when a doll-maker from Fushimi in Kyoto opened a kiln in a village in Akita. They are strongly influenced by Fushimi dolls.
The most famous of these are Tenjin dolls, with their dignified forms and rich colours.