Hirashimizu Clay Dolls

Place of origin: Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture

Donated by Shikano Ichio

Hirashimizu clay dolls were made in Hirashimizu between 1916 and the end of the Showa period around 1989. Located to the south of Yamagata City, Hirashimizu has been renowned for its pottery since the early 1800s. Many clay dolls representing auspicious figures such as the Seven Lucky Gods and Daruma dolls were made, often during idle periods when other ceramics were being fired.