Ehime Imabari Sakurai Lacquerware "Tachibina" (Standing Hina Dolls) - Kurumira Shop

Graceful Standing Figures with a Touch of Warmth – Hand-Painted Tachibina

When people think of Hina dolls, they often imagine a pair of seated figures displayed on a platform. However, historically, the earliest Hina dolls were not seated but standing—known as "Tachibina" (Standing Hina Dolls).

The charm of Tachibina lies in its deep historical significance, making it not just a traditional doll but a reflection of Japan’s rich cultural heritage. This Tachibina set is crafted from wood, coated with lacquer, and hand-painted using the traditional maki-e technique, resulting in an adorable and meticulously detailed representation of this time-honored tradition.

Product Details

• Dimensions (W × D × H): 27 × 14.7 × 16.2 cm
• Weight: 800g
• Material: Wood, Lacquer

About Sakurai Lacquerware

History & Background

Sakurai Lacquerware has a legacy of 250–260 years as a traditional lacquerware manufacturer. Records from Bunsei 11 (1828) indicate that Tsukihara Monzaemon and seven other artisans were already producing lacquerware in this region.

The exceptional quality of Sakurai Lacquerware is well recognized, as it was even used by the Emperor and Empress of Japan during the Heisei era.

Cultural Roots

The origins of Sakurai Lacquerware trace back to skilled craftsmen brought from Japan’s renowned lacquerware-producing regions, including:

• Wajima-nuri (Ishikawa Prefecture)
• Yamanaka-nuri (Ishikawa Prefecture)
• Echizen-nuri (Fukui Prefecture)
• Aizu-nuri (Fukushima Prefecture)
• Kishu-nuri (Wakayama Prefecture)

These artisans settled in Sakurai, where they developed a unique lacquerware tradition blending various regional influences.

Features & Design

• Exceptional Craftsmanship: Skilled artisans, working in small numbers, meticulously craft each piece to ensure the highest quality.
• Innovative Materials: Beyond traditional wood, Sakurai Lacquerware applies lacquer to diverse materials such as leather and glass, expanding the possibilities of Japanese craftsmanship.
• Design & Functionality: The brand prioritizes both aesthetic beauty and user-friendly designs, creating lacquerware that suits modern lifestyles while preserving tradition.

Rarity & Value

Sakurai Lacquerware is a rare and valuable craft, produced by a limited number of highly skilled artisans. As a result, its value is expected to increase over time, making it a treasured piece of Japanese heritage.

Company Information

Iyo Sakurai Lacquerware Hall Co., Ltd.
Nagazawa Ko 340-1, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, Japan