The 1st
Create the MoldI personally handle all the processes without delegating any steps to others.
I make a ceramic mold in an auspicious design featuring a cat holding a sea bream.
The 2nd
Apply Japanese Paper to the Mold
Use “hariko paper,” a type of Japanese paper (washi) that has been softened by wetting.
Wrap the softened washi around the mold, tearing the paper along the shape of the mold and applying glue where the paper overlaps.
The washi used is hand-made in Ogawa Town, Saitama Prefecture, designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan in 1978 and as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2014.
← This step shows the process of applying the paper.
→ This step shows the mold fully covered in washi.
The 3rd
Dry the Washi and Remove the Mold
Once the washi is dry, use a knife to carefully cut the washi and remove the mold from inside.
The 4th
Reassemble the Paper
Reassemble the cut washi pieces by gluing them together.
This step shows the reassembled paper. It’s hard to see the seams as they are rejoined with matching washi.
Apply a layer of gofun (white pigment) evenly on this surface.
The 5th
Apply the Base Coat
“Gofun,” a traditional Japanese base coat made from ground seashells and glue (nikawa).
according to the season for optimal consistency, requiring skilled experience. The base coat smooths the surface for painting and is applied at least twice, sometimes three to four times, to ensure even coverage.
Historical Note: This traditional paint mixture has been used since around 700 AD.
The 6th
Paint the Doll
Primarily use acrylic paints, which do not run when wet. To enrich the colors, lacquer-based paints and natural pigments used in Japanese paintings are also applied.
Paint the doll with the desired design and let it dry completely.
Time Frame: Depending on the weather, completing one doll takes approximately one week to ten days. All steps are done by hand.
This comprehensive process ensures that each paper mache doll is a unique piece of traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
