Shimoura Bentenkai - Clay doll, "Shrimp!"
$48.00
In the old days, Japanese people used to say “live long until your backs are bent like the shrimp.” It is a lucky charm for longevity and good fortune. The fortune will go around you as the movement of a shrimp!
Each doll is hand painted and have unique characteristics.
- Sold separately
- Approximate measurements: 3"L x 2 1/4"W x 1 3/4"H
- Material: clay, paper
- Care instruction: to clean, gently wipe the surface with a dry cloth.
- Do not hand wash or get wet.
Story:
Clay dolls from Amakusa city in Kumamoto prefecture. Shimoura-benten-kai has started in 2013 as a group to support local businesses and traditional techniques to create the dolls. This small town in Amakusa used to be a well known place for clay dolls and has more than 300 years of history. Unfortunately most craftsman have retired but recently a few number of women have volunteered to learn the techniques to create dolls and carry on the tradition.