These
dolls are from an area of Japan known for its abundance and variety of bamboo
and for the bamboo crafts that developed there. The texture and sheen of the
bamboo's surface are said to give the dolls a life-like quality. The female
figure is from Fukui Prefecture. Since ancient times this region has been known
for its abundance and variety of bamboo which naturally led to the development
of bamboo crafts. The male doll depicts a priest with a bamboo basket hat and
is from Kyushu in the southern part of Japan, another region where bamboo is
abundant. This figure is much rougher and simpler than his female counterpart.
These priests often served as spies for the shogun because they could
travel anonymously with their faces hidden by the basket hats.
© 2003 Steve and Katie Kohl