Description
Carved wooden dolls (mokuchō ningyō) are made by separately carving the head, torso, and limbs out of paulownia wood. The limbs are then assembled using bamboo pegs. Paulownia has a low sap content, making it less likely to attract insects. It is also lightweight, strong, and does not warp easily, making it an ideal material for doll making.
Process
- STEP 1
The head, torso, and limbs are carved from paulownia wood.
- STEP 2
The wooden pieces are coated in several layers of gofun (a white paint of pulverized shells) and sanded smooth.
- STEP 3
Adhesive is applied to grooves on the doll’s torso, and the doll is dressed by tucking the edges of the outfit into the grooves.
- STEP 4
The hair and face are painted, and the limbs are coated in gofun and attached to the body.
