MIKI HOUSE Festival Dolls - Kabuto Helmet

About Raden

The vibrant design adorning the Hachi, or the helmet bowl, and the gleaming eyes of the dragon and tiger are the result of "raden," a traditional technique incorporated into Wajima lacquerware.
This intricate decoration is achieved by thinly slicing abalone shells and inlaying them one by one into the pattern. The natural luster of the abalone changes its appearance from blue to green to purple depending on the angle of the light, giving off a fantastical, deep-sea-like shimmer against the jet-black background. Raden exudes a quiet presence without being overly flashy. It is a mysterious and dignified beauty born from the fusion of natural materials and the craftsmanship of artisans, imbued with tradition.

About Kirigane

The design used on the front of this helmet is "kirigane," one of the decorative techniques used in Wajima lacquerware.
Gold plates, made by layering and firing gold leaf, are individually cut into diamond shapes and carefully arranged, creating a beautiful, three-dimensional design. Kirigane is an extremely delicate and highly skilled technique that involves cutting gold leaf and plates into miniscule shapes and carefully arranging them with great precision, considering even the slightest differences in size and angle. The finished product largely depends on the concentration and skill of the craftsman. The finely-cut gold softly reflects light, giving off a luxurious yet quiet elegance and the deep, nuanced expression unique to Wajima lacquerware.

About Maki-e

The dragon and tiger that adorn the helmet.
The dragon's body, almost lifelike, and the tiger's beautiful coat are rendered using "maki-e," one of the principal decorative techniques of Wajima lacquerware.
Maki-e is a technique in which patterns are painted with lacquer, followed by gold powder or leaf sprinkled on top to affix them in place.
In Wajima lacquerware's maki-e technique, the skillful use of gold particles of different sizes allows for a deep, complex, three-dimensional expression.
The movement in the tiger's coat and muscles, and the texture and dynamism of the dragon's scales are meticulously depicted using multiple types of gold powder of different particle sizes.
The luster of the gold is not uniform; its intensity varies in different areas, creating a delicate expression within its powerful presence.
This decorative technique highlights the profound allure of Wajima lacquerware, even reflecting the powerful presence of life itself.

About Kabuto-O

The kabuto-o cord is not just decorative; it is a significant design symbolizing the binding of wishes for your child's healthy growth. Made with high-quality silk thread and specially dyed in signature MIKI HOUSE red, the cord adds a touch of elegance befitting the festival celebration.

The knot used is the Agemaki-Musubi, a traditional Japanese decorative knot that symbolizes bringing good fortune and warding off evil.
Within strength, there is gentleness and prayer.