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Chiyogami
Ningyo by Kuniko Mancini
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The
word Chiyogami comes from the roots chiyo (thousand generations) and
gami (paper). Chiyogami is Washi paper that has been hand stenciled
or printed with traditional Japanese imagery using bright colors and
patterns. Appearing during the Edo period, Chiyogami was traditionally
used to craft paper object especially dolls. It gained tremendous
popularity among origami fans because it offered a great visual presences
and was less costly then some of the other Washi papers at the time.
It still remains a favorite among folders and adds richness to any
paper craft project.
Used today for a variety of handicrafts, such as covering small boxes,
origami, and making kimono for paper dolls (anesama). Known
for beautiful, vibrant and striking colors, many of today's Chiyogami
patterns are based on traditional Japanese designs with symbols that
represent beauty, good fortune and long life. |
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Kuniko Mancini realized soon after moving from Japan to the USA that
many people knew about origami, but few knew about Chiyogami. So,
she began to hand craft original designed Chiyogami ningyo (dolls).
Some of her ningyo creations ("Warabe" - little child &
"Machi musume" - young girl) have been exhibited at the
Seattle Cherry Blossom Festival for the past 10 years, and she conducts
workshops for Nikkei Horizons' Continuing Education Program of Nikkei
Concerns.
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(Photos courtesy of Kuniko Mancini)
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