Clay doll - Monkey on the Koi fish!

The 83 years old craftsman Reizo made a special monkey doll riding on the Koi fish!

May 5th is the Children's Day to celebrate health and happiness in Japan. The families with boys will raise carp-shaped flags called "Koinobori" to express hope that their boys will grow up healthy and strong.

This terra-cotta touched monkey dolls have been loved and believed as a protector for people from becoming ill and protecting from evil spirits.  Each doll is hand painted and have unique characteristics.

• Approximate measurements: 6"W x 3" H
• Material: red clay and paint
• Care instruction:    to clean, gently wipe the surface with a dry cloth.
• Do not hand wash or get wet.

Story:

It has been said the origin of this Kodakizaru doll was 1300 years ago. Currently 7th generation of Reizo Nagata and his daughter are making these monkey clay dolls by hand. They use local red soil, process them into clay in their backyard and hand build each dolls without using molds.