Clay doll figurine of a Qing dynasty Chinese man with a long hair braid on his back and a typical hat, standing with a rooster in his arms. Living in Nagasaki in the time that the borders were closed for international travel and contact. The Chinese were allowed to trade in Nagasaki. They were called Acha-san by the Japanese.
Very soft, molded earthenware painted with bright cold-applied colors.
Japan, Nagasaki, probably mid-20th century or a little earlier.
H ca 6.25 in.
Various color abrasions, few stains and smears and smudges. All in all in pretty good condition
Bought by previous owner in the 1970s in Japan during a trip.
Kawara clay dolls have been produced in large quantities throughout Japan. It is a local craft, mingei or folk art. Clay - the same clay as used for making rooftiles - was hand-modeled or put in molds to make different shapes, which were fired at a low heat. Subsequently, each figurine was painted with bright (mineral) colors. Some of the finest figurines were from Koga, Nagasaki, originally made as toys, later as souvenirs for travelers, allegedly since the Genroku era (1688-1704). The subject was mostly figures related to the foreign traders that were living in the Nagasaki area, such as Chinese, Portuguese and Dutch, but also monkeys and other animals. In the early days, a large variety of models were made. Although the dolls are still made today, that variety has been reduced to a handful of foreigners and more generic animals, such as a whale or beckoning cat.
Fushimi, Sendai and Koga are the three most famous places where clay dolls were and are being made. Each center has its specific doll models.
