Subtle Excellence — A Centuries-Old Craftsman’s Challenge

Dolls can be broadly categorized based on their manufacturing methods into clothes-wearing dolls and Kimekomi Ningyo, traditional Japanese dolls, which are believed to have originated in Kyoto in the 18th century. Kimekomi dolls are made using a unique Japanese technique where grooves are carved into the doll’s torso, to which fabric for the costume is then attached. The tradition of giving dolls as gifts is a unique part of Japanese culture that has been passed down through generations, as parents wish for their children’s health and growth.

Okahan, with a century-long history, crafts each piece by hand, imbuing the artificial flowers with the refined skills of traditional craftsmanship to create a remarkable work of art. The concept for these works is “Subtle Excellence.” With meticulous attention to detail, these artificial flowers showcase the master craftsmanship that embodies the spirit of Japanese tradition. Be subtle, yet aim to elevate the mood…
We create a variety of decorative artificial flowers, such as sakura-tachibana (cherry blossom and citrus tachibana trees), kohakubai (red and white plum blossoms), handheld branches, standing trees, and kanzashi hair ornaments. These adornments are designed not only for New Year’s, March, and May festivals, or as accessories for warabe dolls or traditional Japanese dolls but also as seasonal decorations, including small potted bonsai and Japanese flower wall hangings.

Yuji Okada, as the third-generation craftsman, creates artificial flowers for Japanese dolls, temples, shrines, and ceremonies. Currently, he primarily produces sakura-tachibana, kohakubai, and irises for traditional Hina dolls, promoting traditional Japanese crafts that evoke the elegance of “Wa” — the unique essence of Japanese culture and craftsmanship — to audiences both in Japan and overseas. Completing a piece involves an astonishing accumulation of hours worked with countless parts, all of which are meticulously handcrafted.

Okahan
Yuji Okada
3-2-8 Daitakubo, Midori-ku, Saitama City, Saitama 336-0936
TEL: 048-882-8294
okahan@mub.biglobe.ne.jp
https://www.okahan-zouka.jp/