This わらべ獅子 (Warabe Shishi) folk craft is a type of 木目込人形 (Kimekomi Ningyō) is a traditional Japanese doll-making style that originated in Kyoto during the Edo period. The doll is crafted by carving grooves into a wooden or molded base and then tucking fabric into the grooves to create intricate clothing and patterns.
The Kimekomi technique originated in Kyoto around the mid-18th century at the Kamigamo Shrine (上賀茂神社). It is said that a shrine craftsman named Tadashige Takahashi (高橋忠重) first created these dolls using leftover fabric scraps from shrine garments, pressing them into grooves carved in wooden figures. Over time, this method evolved into a sophisticated art form practiced by skilled artisans across Japan, particularly in Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo).
In this piece, the figure depicts a small child (warabe) dressed as a Shishi, a mythical lion creature associated with good fortune and protection, often featured in traditional Japanese lion dances (獅子舞, Shishimai). The doll wears a vivid green cloth patterned with white motifs, representing the shishi’s costume, and a bright red lion mask with black and gold details that captures the expressive and bold character of the lion. Beneath the mask, the child’s gentle white face peeks out, bringing a sense of innocence and playfulness to the figure.
It has a bell inside the doll that rings when it’s rung. Size: 9 x 8 x 12cm
