Anesama Ningyoo

For the past 8 years I have been a member of OSA a website that showcases Oriental Stamp Art from members from all over the world. Members who wanted could have a photo album of their art work and handmade Asian cards. Due to rising costs the website will be shutting down in a few months. Members will be moving their work over to other website. I have chosen some of my favorite work to showcase here on my blog.

I love to make these dolls Anesama Ningyoo

Anesama ningyoo means "elder sister doll" in Japanese. There is a deep history to these paper dolls. In the Japanese feudal society, the common people were stuck within the social class in which they were born. These dolls were a way for young girls of the lower social classes to be a part of those other classes even if only through child's play. Most times, these anesama ningyoo were made by the elder sisters or women of the families. That is where the name originates. These dolls originally were made of various materials ranging from wood to rags. Eventually paper was used and chiyogami (Japanese paper covered with colorful patterns) allowed girls to have a wider array of kimonos for their dolls.

Enjoy some of my pictures