A vintage set of five hand-painted clay figures is known as Uwahan Ningyō (うわはん人形), traditional folk toys from the Hiruzen region of Okayama Prefecture (岡山県蒜山地方). These charming figures are modeled after dancers from the Ōmiya Odori (大宮踊), a centuries-old folk dance preserved as an Intangible Cultural Property in the area.
Ōmiya Odori traces its origins back to the late Muromachi period (1336–1573) and has been passed down for generations as a ritual dance dedicated to Ōmiya Hachiman Shrine, the region’s guardian deity. It was originally performed as a midsummer purification rite and a prayer for bountiful harvests, protection from disease, and local well-being.
Each doll captures a unique character from the dance with its own colorful costume and expressive, simplified facial features. Their rotund, rounded forms and whimsical brushwork express the warmth and rustic charm typical of regional kyōdo ningyō (郷土人形). The white-based faces with delicate pink cheeks and tiny eyes add a gentle, humorous presence, while their vividly painted garments reflect the festive spirit of the Ōmiya Odori celebration.
These figures were originally crafted as souvenirs and symbolic gifts, not only to represent local heritage but also to bring good fortune and happiness. Whether displayed as a set or individually, they convey a rich sense of community spirit, craftsmanship, and regional pride rooted in Okayama’s cultural traditions.
