This hand-painted shikishi features a charming depiction of 首人形 (kubi-ningyō)—traditional Japanese doll heads—rendered with a light, poetic touch.
首人形 (kubi-ningyō) literally means “neck dolls” or “head dolls.” They are small decorative objects consisting of a doll’s head mounted on a thin stick or handle. Traditionally, kubi-ningyō were sold at temple fairs, festivals, and shrine markets, especially during the Edo to early Shōwa periods. They were often made as toys or souvenirs for children, but also functioned as informal talismans.
Symbolically, kubi-ningyō occupy a unique place in Japanese folk culture. While playful in appearance, they were believed to protect children from illness and misfortune, acting as substitutes that could absorb bad luck or harm in place of the child. In some regions, they were associated with wishes for healthy growth, safe upbringing, and longevity. Their detachable, simplified form also reflects the folk belief in transferring or releasing negative energy.
In art, kubi-ningyō often evoke nostalgia, innocence, and the transient nature of childhood. When depicted in painting or calligraphy, they can also carry a quiet sense of impermanence—an undercurrent of mono no aware—transforming a humble toy into a poetic symbol of memory and time.
In this shikishi, the softly rendered kubi-ningyō heads, paired with expressive handwritten text, suggest both playfulness and quiet reflection, blending folk belief with personal sentiment. The work gently bridges the world of childhood ritual objects and the contemplative space of traditional Japanese painting.
Size: 24 x 27cm
