MINGEI FOLK CRAFT

Traditional Japanese folk toys are little handmade dolls and figurines that were particularly popular during the Edo period (1603-1868) and Meiji Era (1868-1912).  Originally created for play, many of them symbolise good fortune, health and other wishes for children, and are still popular talismans, souvenirs or home decorations to this day.

Mostly crafted out of clay, wood and papier-mache (hariko), Japanese folk toys can be a more sustainable alternative to modern plastic toys.  Each is handcrafted by skilled artisans and differ in style due to regional variations.

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