Folk Figurine - Myōbu
能古見人形 命婦
£69.00 per item
A handmade clay myōbu figurine from Saga Prefecture.
The craft of nogomi ningyō, nogomi dolls, started after World War II as a means to soothe people’s hearts and minds. As such, these little clay figurines first started to be sold as good luck charms and talismans at the Yūtoku Inari shrine, the third largest Inari shrine in Japan. Inari is a kami (spirit or deity) in shintō religion, associated with the rice harvest, household well-being and foxes – who act as her messengers. Inari is one of the most widely venerated shintō deities in Japan.
These dolls are all made by hand using moulds to create the two sides which are joined together before firing them in a kiln at over 900 degrees Celsius. Afterwards they are coated with a white paint called gofun, that serves as the base onto which to paint all of the other colours.
Myōbu is a word which refers both to mid-rank noblewomen in the imperial court and to fox messengers of Inari, often depicted with white fur.
The paint is not waterproof.
As each piece is handmade, there might be individual differences.
Size: L6 cm x W4.5 cm x H11.7 cm
Kantō
The Kantō region is densely populated and home to a third of the country's population. It is centred around the nation's vibrant capital – Tokyo, formerly known as Edo, which has been the cultural, economic and political heart of Japan for centuries. Outside this megacity, there are mountains, onsen and ski resorts, magnificent temple complexes and excellent surfing opportunities within easy reach.
