Hakata Art Dolls Dolls Fukuoka Prefecture Cooperative Union Hakata Doll Association 4-16 Naraya-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture tel 092-291-4114 Background According to some people, the history of Hakata art dolls dates back to the beginning of the 17th century. It seems that when Kuroda Nagamasa built Fukuoka castle, someone making ridge-end tiles for the castle developed his skills with forming and firing, and he gave one of the figures he made to the head of the clan. It is also said that Hakata art dolls originate from simple biscuit fired toy dolls that were made by the people living in the Gion-machi district of Hakata sometime during the first half of the 19th century. A great variety of figures are made including representations of beautiful women, kabuki players, characters from Noh dramas, characters of town and country, famous Taoist or Buddhist figures, and children. All are characterized by an unassuming beauty springing from biscuit firing, subtle coloring and finely carved details. The heritage of this craft is now supported by 50 government recognized Master Craftsmen among the 635 employed by 89 firms.