This hand-carved wooden figure represents the Kasuga Ryūjin (春日龍神), or Dragon God of Kasuga Shrine, a powerful protective deity associated with water, agriculture, and the divine spirit of the Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara. The dragon motif atop the figure’s head symbolizes divine power and protection, while the vivid robes, painted in gold, red, and indigo, reflect the sacred elegance of Shinto ritual costume.
The figure is a fine example of Nara Ningyō (奈良人形) — traditional carved dolls from Nara — created using the ittōbori (一刀彫) technique, which involves carving the form from a single block of wood with bold, expressive knife strokes. Each piece is both carved and painted by a single artist, emphasizing individual craftsmanship and the unity of sculpture and color.
Nara Dolls have their origins in the Kasuga Shrine festival, a tradition that has continued for more than eight centuries. During the Momoyama (1582–1600) and Edo (1603–1867) periods, these dolls were favored by the aristocracy and samurai, later becoming popular ceremonial ornaments for weddings and seasonal festivals.
This piece was crafted by Sōshin Somekawa (染川宗進), the second-generation master of Hakuroku-en (白鹿園) in Nara. The Somekawa family are renowned sculptors who have continued the ancient Nara doll tradition. Sōshin’s father, the first master of Hakuroku-en, gained international recognition after demonstrating his carving technique at the International Exhibition in San Francisco in 1939 (Showa 14), where he received multiple awards.
Sōshin Somekawa inherited and refined this family legacy, producing works noted for their dynamic carving, vivid coloration, and deep connection to the sacred traditions of Nara. His dolls, including this Kasuga Ryūjin, embody the spiritual and artistic essence of Nara’s cultural heritage — uniting religious devotion, historical artistry, and folk expression.
Size: 16 x 14 x 26cm
20 x 16 x 25cm
