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Pursuing the Possibilities of “Hariko”: Artisan Hashimoto Shōichi Branches Out in New Directions

  • Hashimoto Shōichi holding a Miharu-hariko daruma doll.

    Hashimoto Shōichi holding a Miharu-hariko daruma doll.

  • The Deko Yashiki Daikokuya Product Hall is the gateway to the Takashiba Deko Yashiki complex. The Oichi-chaya structure to the right is a combined rest stop and lunchroom.

    The Deko Yashiki Daikokuya Product Hall is the gateway to the Takashiba Deko Yashiki complex. The Oichi-chaya structure to the right is a combined rest stop and lunchroom.

  • Exterior view of the Honke Daikokuya workshop. The gray-roofed building to the left is a restored traditional farmhouse where Hashimoto exhibits his works.

    Exterior view of the Honke Daikokuya workshop. The gray-roofed building to the left is a restored traditional farmhouse where Hashimoto exhibits his works.

  • Wooden forms for a hyottoko mask, a humorous depiction of a man sometimes used in dances at local festivals. The forms, blackened with age, are brushed with oil to make the dried washi easier to remove.

    Wooden forms for a hyottoko mask, a humorous depiction of a man sometimes used in dances at local festivals. The forms, blackened with age, are brushed with oil to make the dried washi easier to remove.

  • Torn pieces of wet washi are pressed firmly onto a wooden form.

    Torn pieces of wet washi are pressed firmly onto a wooden form.

  • The forms are given a wash of gofun, a white powder made from roasted, crushed seashells. Eto figures for the Year of the Rat are shown here, drying on a bamboo basket representing a rice bale.

    The forms are given a wash of gofun, a white powder made from roasted, crushed seashells. Eto figures for the Year of the Rat are shown here, drying on a bamboo basket representing a rice bale.

  • Flexible washi lends itself to creating the dynamic, raised-rear pose of the koshidaka tora.

    Flexible washi lends itself to creating the dynamic, raised-rear pose of the koshidaka tora.

  • The crisp, angular lines of Miharu-goma horses contrast with the rounded forms of hariko. A Miharu-goma was featured on the New Year stamp for the 1954 Year of the Horse.

    The crisp, angular lines of Miharu-goma horses contrast with the rounded forms of hariko. A Miharu-goma was featured on the New Year stamp for the 1954 Year of the Horse.

  • Hashimoto’s creations are on display at the Honke Daikokuya atelier, among a colorful array of hariko figures.

    Hashimoto’s creations are on display at the Honke Daikokuya atelier, among a colorful array of hariko figures.

  • Hashimoto in a corner of his shop, painting a design onto a Miharu-goma figure.

    Hashimoto in a corner of his shop, painting a design onto a Miharu-goma figure.

  • The “Pray for Reconstruction” daruma, covered in messages praying for the revival of the devastated Tōhoku region.

    The “Pray for Reconstruction” daruma, covered in messages praying for the revival of the devastated Tōhoku region.

  • The polar bear hariko exhibited at the Take Action Charity Gala 2011. The washi is feathered to create realistic-looking fur. (Courtesy Hashimoto Shōichi)

    The polar bear hariko exhibited at the Take Action Charity Gala 2011. The washi is feathered to create realistic-looking fur. (Courtesy Hashimoto Shōichi)

  • Hashimoto created these folk-design inspired pens, which stand upright when tipped over, in 2013. They feature designs by Harada Masahiro, principal of Mount Fuji Architects Studio.

    Hashimoto created these folk-design inspired pens, which stand upright when tipped over, in 2013. They feature designs by Harada Masahiro, principal of Mount Fuji Architects Studio.

  • Tiger figures by Koshino Junko sport distinctive zebra stripes.

    Tiger figures by Koshino Junko sport distinctive zebra stripes.

  • This hariko packaging mimics the original Cream Box, a popular local bread-based treat with a creamy filling.

    This hariko packaging mimics the original Cream Box, a popular local bread-based treat with a creamy filling.

  • The Honke Daikokuya building is used for hands-on painting sessions by large groups. But fewer school groups come through nowadays, so the building is not used as often as before.

    The Honke Daikokuya building is used for hands-on painting sessions by large groups. But fewer school groups come through nowadays, so the building is not used as often as before.

  • Hashimoto at the Fallas festival, wearing a Miharu-hariko hat. (Courtesy of Hashimoto Shōichi)

    Hashimoto at the Fallas festival, wearing a Miharu-hariko hat. (Courtesy of Hashimoto Shōichi)

  • Pursuing the Possibilities of “Hariko”: Artisan Hashimoto Shōichi Branches Out in New Directions

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