Shinkyo Nakamura

Nakamura Ningyo

Doll maker

A doll to embody human connections

Shinkyo makes painted ceramic dolls for Fukuoka's 780-year-old Gion Yamakasa festival
Hakata doll craftsmanship is designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property
He works with his son Hiromine in the family's multi-generation workshop

Shinkyo Nakamura is a distinguished doll maker in Japan and represents the third generation in a family lineage of artisans. Born in 1957, Shinkyo has dedicated his life to the craft, infusing his creations with spirituality and cultural significance. He draws inspiration from history, tradition and folklore, as evident in his renowned Nanban series, inspired by the Tensho Mission boys who travelled to Europe in the late 1500s. In his Oni series he featured Japan's guardian deities. Shinkyo's works are characterised by their elegant forms, lifelike colours, and advanced techniques which aim to create pieces that enrich lives and evoke deep emotional connections.

Where

Interview

Why did you choose this craft and a career as an artisan?: Born to doll making parents, I naturally chose this path, creating dolls and drawings from age three. After training under master doll makers Komao Hayashi and Tōen Murata, I began my career in 1981 with second-generation doll maker Engai Nakamura.
What were your key takeaways from the late master Komao Hayashi, who participated in Homo Faber 2022?: I learned the mokushin-tōso technique, applying paulownia powder to a wooden core to create a solid, carve-able surface for fine details. I also explored expressions with washi paper. Above all, I learned sensitivity that is essential in doll making.
What was a memorable event in your journey as a craftsman?: A poignant moment was when a woman tearfully decided to purchase a doll, expressing a desire to cherish it for life. My goal is to craft pieces that enrich lives, that can be admired forever, and are deeply loved. This pursuit also helps refine my own humanity.
What message do you want to convey to the world through your work?: In a world plagued by wars, disasters, illnesses, and more, I want to express through dolls the importance of human presence. I aim to have dolls represent and convey people's prayers, becoming a source of solace for as many individuals as possible.

Shinkyo Nakamura is a master artisan: he began his career in 1981 and he started teaching in 1988