This is a very grim and fierce looking doll on the display at Kurakata Ningyo (doll) store in Tokorozawa.
Kurakata Ningyo was started in 1830 by a farmer who made dolls as a side job. They have a long and interesting history of making traditional dolls, and includes events such as loosing their entire house in the big Kanto Earthquake in 1923 and receiving the Prime Minister's Award in 1985.
Seeing the display of dolls and learning about the many people who have maintained the traditional craftsmanship since the Edo Era was a very interesting experience. I hope I get to see more dolls during the festival seasons!
