Hariko Figurine - Sea Bream
張り子 叶え鯛
£64.00 per item
A handmade papier-mache figurine from Yamagata Prefecture.
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Handmade by craftspeople in Yamagata Prefecture, this hariko figurine is a designed to convey the spirit of this region and the sentiments of its people. Hariko, the Japanese technique of papier-mache, has been used for centuries in Japan to create a wide variety of folk toys which are often used as ornaments or as good luck charms carrying symbolic meanings.
Sea bream in particular are considered auspicious creatures in Japan, bringing good fortune. The design of this sea bream’s eyes and gills resemble the kanji 叶, meaning to ‘come true’ or ‘fulfill’, symbolizing the wish for a dream to come true.
Individual pieces vary in colour and size as each piece is handmade.
Size: W8 cm x H5 cm
Tōhoku
Tōhoku consists of six prefectures located in the north-east of Honshu island. This region is known for its hot spring (onsen) resorts, colourful festivals, remote sacred mountains and harsh winters. In 2011, the devastating earthquake and tsunami hit the region hard; however, the massive efforts in reconstruction are proof of the people’s resilience. Urushi (lacquer) ware, ironware and the crafting of kokeshi dolls make up but a few of the local industries in this lesser-visited region of Japan.
