I am  available to teach the Japanese art of kimekomi by either mail, email or in person here in Yorkshire.

I was taught by The Kyogetsu School of doll making. The most prestigious doll school in Japan.

Japanese tradition dictates that a doll will hold fans, flowers, ornaments or other Japanese objects. Each doll usually represents a Japanese folk tale or a piece of history. They can be children, adults, even animals. Dolls made in this traditional way are not only very beautiful and popular, but they are also considered valued treasures among collectors.

Kimekomi is a technique of doll making in which the doll form is carved of wood and then covered with pieces of fabric which are inserted into slits in the wood to give the illusion of clothing.

The wood is carved into the shape of a doll in full clothing, and all effect of folding and draping of fabric is achieved in the carving process. When the fabric is added, it is stretched tightly across the form and the edges tucked into the grooves, perfectly fitting over its area of the 'clothing'.

This method can be so well done that until touching the figure, it seems as if the doll is wearing loose clothing. The original kimekomi-type dolls are kamo ningyo. (ningyo -doll). It is believed that during the mid 18th century, Takahashi Tadashige created the technique at the Kamo shrine in Kyoto, from which the name is derived.

Made of willow wood, the uncovered face and hands would be left unfinished, keeping the colour of the willow, differentiated them from later dolls, known simply as kimekomi dolls, which usually have gofun- or gesso-covered faces.

Another change from the past, some modern dolls are not hand-carved, but produced from a mold and a mixture of kiri, or paulownia, wood sawdust and funorin (a glue-like substance made of seaweed) Originally, kamo dolls were made in playful poses, often rolling dolls. (daruma)

However, in the Meiji era, more serious dolls with religious significance began to be made, often monks. Today, kimekomi dolls are made in almost every type, including dolls for Boy's Day and Girl's Day, dolls with religious significance and dolls which are playful.

RESIDENTIAL COURSES in beautiful Richmond, North Yorkshire

01748 825354 / 07753146917

www.festivalofjapan.co.uk

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KIMEKOMI DOLLS

These dolls were originally called KAMO-NINGYOU.

It means that original dolls made at the Kami Kamo shrine in Kyoto. It was made of piece of willow wood. These days the bodies are designed, a mould is taken and the dolls are ready to start work on.

Venue: Gilling West, Richmond, North Yorkshire

Tutor: Jill Clay

Fees: Residential: (accom. Tuition plus meals) £365 FULLY BOOKED

Non-Resident: (tuition only and lunch only) £265 FULLY BOOKED

The course fees include 1 small starter doll, 1 intermediate doll and use of professional tools. Other dolls can be purchased either during or after the course.

NEXT AVAILABLE DATES

Dates: Please email for current dates

Course Times: Wednesday 1pm- Saturday 3pm

(Resident learners are expected to arrive in time for dinner at 5.45pm onTuesday)

This course aims to... teach basic and intermediate techniques in Kimekomi doll making. Create perfect examples of this traditional Japanese craft as well as improving those skills you may already have..

It is for... everyone who wishes to learn this great craft to produce Japanese dolls as collectables. During the course... through actively making, mending and finishing your own dolls as well as working with professional tools and fabrics you will soon be looking forward to producing bigger and better pieces.

Assessment will be... stage by stage checking of learners work to ensure they fully understand each process. By the end of the course... you will be able to: Prepare your doll base Repair any problemsUse provided patternsMake your own patterns Learn to fully finish your doll to the highest standard

After the course... you can produce your own Kimekomi doll using skills learned. You can work in a variety of fabrics suitable for Kimekomi doll making and prepare to achieve your Japanese certification.

Please bring: Pair of sharp scissors, notebook, any special food you may require. You will be staying in a luxury holiday cottage, breakfast and lunch and supper will be provided. Please let me know if you have any intolerances or allergies. Other tools may be borrowed from the tutor if needed.

Additional costs: Dolls and tools can be purchased during or after the course

Tutor profile: Jill Clay has studied many traditional Japanese arts. As well as Kimekomi Jill is a well known silk artist and chigiri-e artist. She lives in Gilling West and is dedicated to passing on her skills in a fun and friendly way.

Other courses include:

Japanese arts and crafts

Kimono dressing

The taste of Japanese Tea

Gashaku- study week for both English and Japanese students

Chigiri-e, Japanese torn paper