Hakata Dolls

博多人形

In Fukuoka, it is said that people associated with temples and shrines have had a custom of cherishing unglazed dolls since the Kamakura Era about 800 years ago. The origin of Hakata dolls was in 1600, when many craftsmen gathered in the area with the move of feudal lord Kuroda Nagamasa to Chikuzen to rule.
During the late Edo Era (late 18th - early 19th century), excellent craftsmen such as Masaki Soshichi, Nakanoko Kichibei, and Shirozu Buhei produced great works, and their dolls were sold throughout Kyushu and around the Seto Inland Sea. After the Meiji Era (late 19th - early 20th century), artists produced modern Hakata dolls and presented them at international exhibitions in Paris, Saint Louis, and other cities all over the world! The dolls earned an excellent reputation, becoming known throughout the world as dolls representative of Japan and being exported overseas.
These days, about 100 doll-makers continue to use the traditional doll-making technique while daring to explore new possibilities.

Address (Japanese)	812-0023　福岡県福岡市博多区奈良屋町4-16
Address	4-16 Naraya Town, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka
Telephone Number	092-291-4114（博多人形商工業協同組合）
Contact	Hakata Dolls Commerce and Industry Cooperative Association
Website	http://www.hakataningyo.com/