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Being faithful to the traditional methods of the patched doll craft
The craft of Matsumoto Oshie-bina (patched dolls) has been passed on since the Yedo period (1600 - 1868). Mr. and Mrs. Mitsumura are loyal to the traditional methods of the craft, running the only store in the country that sells the dolls today and being active members of numerous research clubs. They also teach the craft.
Oshie-bina is made by first laying out a drawing of the final image. The details of the drawing is then taken apart and drafted onto yet another set of layout plans. Shapes are traced onto silk material according to each plan. After cutting out the parts from the fabric, they are stuffed with cotton.
The parts are assembled to match the original drawing and a bamboo stick is attached for back bone. The processes are completed as the bamboo stick of the assembled doll is pierced through the pedestal. This is just a brief overview of the actual procedures. But one could appreciate the intricacy and the painstaking processes of the craft.
Mental serenity is a must for drawing warm expressions
The Mitsumura's son Takahiko also takes part in the doll making process. The routine begins with Takashige's sketch of the final image. He then consults his wife about how the sketch could be diassembled into different parts. Kazuko is in charge of drawing the doll's face. This is usually done every night around 11 or 12 o'clock.
"I must finish all the housework and settle down before I start drawing. Otherwise I could not draw warm expressions. During the day, it gets quite hectic with people coming and going. I cannot draw hard faces and soft faces in one sitting, so the process gets even more time consuming," explains Kazuko.
They put so much care into making the dolls. It is almost like raising a child. When asked if it is heartbreaking to give the dolls away to customers, "I'm always sad when I hand them over. But I bid my farewell to each doll by telling them that they will be well taken care of." Kazuko's motherly expression showed as she made her comment.
