Clay doll - "Umanori Saru" A horseback riding monkey
By Konohazaru
The Monkey Dolls, with origins dating back 1,300 years, are hand-crafted by 7th-generation artisan Reizo Nagata and his daughter Sae. Using local red soil, they process the clay in their backyard and hand-build each doll without molds. These terra-cotta monkey dolls are cherished as protectors, believed to guard against illness and evil spirits.
The horseback riding monkey represents the Shogun (samurai) from ancient times, symbolizing strength, resilience, and good fortune.
Each doll is handmade in Kumamoto, Japan, with slight variations that make every piece special.
- Approximate measurements:
- S: 3 1/2"H x 2 1/3"W x 2 1/2"D
- M: 5 1/2" H x 3" W x 3" D
- L: 7 3/4" H x 4" W x 4" D
- Material: red clay
- Care instruction: to clean, gently wipe the surface with a dry cloth.
- Do not hand wash or get wet.
Story:
It has been said that the origin of this Dangozaru doll was approximately 1300 years ago. Currently the 7th generation, Reizo Nagata, who was born in 1940 and his daughter Sae are making these monkey clay dolls by hand. They use local red soil, process them into clay in their backyard and hand build each doll without using molds.