～Tsuchi-Ningyo (Clay Dolls)～
information
The Tsuchi-Ningyo (traditional clay dolls) often discussed in the Iiyama area of Nagano Prefecture generally refer to Nakano Tsuchi-Ningyo. While these regional folk toys were primarily crafted in the neighboring city of Nakano before being widely distributed to Iiyama, they remain an essential part of Iiyama's heritage. Due to historical ties, one of the production lineages was actually known as "Iiyama Tsuchi-Ningyo" in the past.
Two Unique Lineages
The clay dolls crafted in the Kita-Shinshu region (around Nakano City) are divided into two distinct lineages: the Nakano Ningyo (by the Nara family) and the Tategami Ningyo (by the Nishihara family). It is incredibly rare in Japan for two clay doll traditions with completely different roots to coexist in the exact same region. Among them, it was the Tategami Ningyo that was once called the "Iiyama Tsuchi-Ningyo."
Around 1897, a famous master onigawara (ogre-faced roof tile) artisan from Aichi Prefecture taught local craftsmen how to make clay dolls as a side job during the snowy winter months. These dolls earned the name "Iiyama Tsuchi-Ningyo" at the time because they were heavily marketed and sold down the Chikuma River toward the Iiyama area.
Craftsmanship and Characteristics
These clay dolls are defined by their rustic and warm texture. They are created by pressing clay into two-part molds (front and back), firing them unglazed, and then meticulously hand-painting them with mud-based pigments.
The Former Iiyama Tsuchi-Ningyo (Tategami Ningyo): Since the original roof tile artisan was well-versed in Kabuki, these dolls often depict Kabuki characters and historical figures. They tend to be relatively large and vividly colored.
Nakano Ningyo: In contrast, these are smaller pieces centered around good-luck charms like Daikoku and Ebisu (deities of fortune), or traditional children (Doji).
A major part of their charm is that no glossy coating is applied to the surface. As the years pass, the colors gently soften, giving the dolls a unique, seasoned character and an antique taste that deepens over time.
