Shimada Kouen Doll Atelier 2- Craftsman Interview-

“Eyebrows speak.”

The foundation is always the traditional techniques of making Gosho Dolls. Shimada’s dolls
are four heads high.
“I would imagine the doll’s facial expression while molding, but as it is baked and covered
with chalk white, it would show its original shades on its face. At that point, I would just
place brushes on the shade, check in with the doll‘s spirit and confirm its will.”
The most crucial moment is when drawing eyebrows, not eyes. Out of very delicate
varieties of colors and shapes, Shimada would pick the ones that suit each doll.
Mr. Shimada speaks modestly:
“When I was younger, all the dolls I made looked exactly like myself. But now, I can make
dolls with various expressions as I wish. It is a joy that I can express something through the
doll‘s faces.”

“Cultivate the deep spirit to render in the dolls.”

The bliss of dollmaking lies in balancing “the tangible depth of the dolls” and “the intangiblediscernment of the dolls.”
Understanding the history and perspectives of people who have loved the dolls is the key,
rather than blindly copying the shapes and colors. Sincere spirit results in authentic andtimeless aesthetics. He strives in communicating such genuine Japanese aesthetics along with the colors and shapes.

Being an ambassador himself

Gold leaves and platinum leaves highlight the work to complete them. Carefully looking at
the golden wings of the Fukura Suzume, you can see they are delicately done with both the
gold powder and the leaves.
In recent years, however, as the market for these dolls, or traditional crafts in general is
shrinking, some traditional tools and materials are disappearing. Shimada has had to
change his making style in response. “How can we pass down the spirit of Gosho Ningyo?”
While he would accept offers by global luxury brands, he is a grassroots changemaker
actively communicating the spirits of Gosho Ningyo through small workshops and talk
events by himself.

“You make no mistakes when you are having fun.”

From molding, painting, and drawing to gilding… he does every process by himself, without
any drafts as for drawing.
“It takes a while to decide on the colors, but that’s also the fun part. You can focus well
when you like what you are doing right? And when you are focused, you won’t make a
mistake.”
He affirms with an energetic smile: “I will keep doing this as long as my body allows.”

Editor’s Note

It was very inspiring to see him telling us how much he enjoys what he is doing with smiles
throughout the interview. Beautiful Gosho Ningyo Dolls that he makes with joy can be found

at his atelier shop, Starbucks Yasaka Chaya Store, and the Magazine Fujingaho.
This year on August 9 th , the day of 8-ha, 9-ku, or metallic leaves, Mr. Shimada will give us a
talk on Gosho Ningyo and teach us how to gild the dolls. We look forward to seeing you
there!

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Shimada Kouen Doll Atelier