Japanese Farmer Ningyo Doll with Tanba or Kobe Cow Doll
Entry/Object ID
1993.2.2
Description
Highly realistic handmade traditional Japanese farmer doll brushing down a Tanba or Kobe heifer, breeds raised in Hyogo prefecture. The farmer wears indigo blue short pants, a blue and white check shirt, and a floral head scarf. The heifer has a rope harness attached through its nose, tied to a post, accented with real animal fur.
Japanese dolls, called ningyo, are one of the traditional Japanese crafts. These are an example of daily life given as a formal gift and used in diplomatic exchange. The cattle industry is very important to the Hyogo province. These dolls represent raising cattle, and giving thanks to the cattle after plowing the field.
