Ichimatsu doll is a kind of Japanese dolls. One of the most popular designs is a little girl with bobbed hair wearing a traditional Japanese Kimono while there is also a male version. Each Ichimatsu doll is the right size for little girls to hold. The face of the doll is white and has large dark eyes. The body part of the Ichimatsu doll is made from a piece of timber or clay.

It has been loved by Japanese children as play dolls from the Edo period. Ichimatsu Sanogawa, a popular Kabuki actor for his beauty in the Edo period, inspired people to create the Ichimatsu doll. 

Now, the Ichimatsu doll is not only regarded as a play doll but also as a traditional craft. It is one of the most famous dolls in Japan. There are so many collectors worldwide.

Ichimatsu dolls were exhibited at the World Expo in Paris (1855). It is said that these dolls influenced the bisque doll. The bisque doll has been appreciated since the 18th century in Europe. Its shape was initially a lady’s figure because it’s used as a small mannequin, which tells the latest fashion for noblewomen. And then, Ichimatsu doll, which was enjoyed as a play doll for children, appeared from Japan in the World expo.

After that, the Bebe doll (a doll that looks a child the ages of 6 to 7) was produced in Europe. There are several theories about the relationship between the bisque doll and the Ichimatsu doll. But if we believe it, we’d like to say that traditional Japanese craftwork was the trigger which gave the new role to one of the European cultures.

How to enjoy Ichimatsu doll

*images for decoration

◇Enjoy as an interior decoration

~Display with Hina doll~ 

March 3rd is the Doll Festival day in Japan when we wish girls’ growth. Ichimatsu dolls are displayed with the Hina doll (traditional Japanese dolls displayed for the Doll Festival) in some regions. Also, there is a custom that parents or grandparents give Hina doll for the eldest daughter and Ichimatsu doll for the second daughter and other daughters who were born later. Generally, Ichimatsu doll or Gogatsu doll (dolls for the Boys’ Festival) are given as a present by maternal grandparents. But nowadays it is common that paternal grandparents give these dolls to their grandchildren. This type of Ichimatsu dolls are called “Odemukae Ningyo”, Odemukae means welcome, and Ningyo means doll. Odemukae Ningyo meets Hina doll and Gogatsu doll who will come from maternal parents’ house. That’s how Ichimatsu doll is treated as welcome doll. Ichimatsu dolls have the role that it will protect children from misfortune. It is believed that the Ichimatsu doll will become a substitute for children. So, it’ll be a worthwhile interior decoration which protects your child eternally.

◇Enjoy changing clothes

Today, there are Ichimatsu dolls, which cannot be changed its clothes. However, the traditional type of Icimatsu doll is appreciated as a dress-up doll. It is one of the characteristics of the Ichimatsu doll. For example, it will fit the season that you exchange your Ichimatsu doll’s Kimono (traditional Japanese costume that Ichimatsu doll usually wears) with Yukata (informal cotton Kimono) in summer. Ichimatsu doll was made based on the famous Kabuki actor’s look in the Edo period. At that time, it is said that not only girls/ladies but also wealthy men enjoyed changing clothes of Ichimatsu dolls. 

◇Learn about Japanese style costume

As mentioned above, Ichimatsu doll can be dressed up so that it was sometimes given to children to learn how to stitch Kimono. In addition, after they made Kimono, it will be a good opportunity for them to know how to wear it and to gain knowledge about the traditional costume. 

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