Armor Decoration with a Dignified Appearance
Yet a Touch of Gentleness

Original Compact
Kimekomi Doll "Homare Armor Series"

A compact, quietly impactful Gogatsu doll, born from the Kimekomi technique.

Unlike magnificent suits of armor, it has a simple and warm expression.
The artist's skill and sensibility are inherited, and each piece is meticulously crafted.
It is a beautifully shaped and refined piece that harmonizes with modern lifestyles.
With a somewhat modern feel, this armor decoration naturally blends into various spaces in your home, such as shelves, living rooms, and entrances, quietly conveying your wishes for your child's growth each year.

1｜The refined, modern form created by the Kimekomi technique

The Kimekomi technique, which involves tucking fabric into grooves by hand, makes it possible to achieve a clean, streamlined silhouette that has been stripped of all excess.

　

Based on the traditional form of dedication armor, it has been tailored into a neat shape with restrained decoration and straight lines.

Compact yet dignified.
While evoking a sense of Japanese aesthetics, its understated presence
blends naturally into modern homes,
quietly and subtly adorning the space.

【Homare Kabuto】 possesses the artistic craftsmanship that sets it apart from mass-produced goods.
Please enjoy it as a wonderful Children's Day, where your whole family can smile for a long time to come.

Placket, simple yet highly designed

The placket was hand-sculpted and molded using hard super-fine plaster.

By making them not overly large, we have created a look where the overall simplicity and elegance are in harmony.
　

Each crest has meanings and wishes that have been handed down since ancient times.　

＜Shishi (Lion)＞

Since ancient times, the lion has been a familiar auspicious motif, believed to ward off evil and provide protection.
It symbolizes strength and dignity, and embodies wishes for healthy growth and protection from harm.

Dragonflies are called "Kachimushi" (victorious insects) and are a symbol favored by samurai, as they never retreat and always move forward.
This embodies the wish for you to soar straight into the future.

The crescent moon is a design motif that symbolizes "growth" and "hope for the future," superimposed on the waxing moon.
It embodies the wish to gently watch over a child's journey, much like the moon quietly floating in the night sky.

Meticulously Designed Details
　

The patterns on the body and the placket were reconstructed and designed based on various historical materials.
Now more than ever, we cherish the meaning of wishing for the healthy growth of children.

　　
"Tsurubashiri" refers to
the decorative plate made of leather or fabric placed in the center of the torso of a May Festival doll's armor.
Each piece features elegant designs that are traditional yet not overly old-fashioned, feeling modern, showcasing the craftsman's refined taste.

＜Dove and菱 (water caltrop) motif＞

The motif of birds facing each other symbolizes harmony, connection, and a relationship of mutual care.
It embodies the wish for a child's healthy growth, and the desire for closeness and mutual support.

Doves have long been considered symbols of peace, tranquility, and safety. The Hato Hishi (dove-diamond) pattern embodies the wish to ward off misfortune and protect peaceful days. It is a design that combines gentleness and protection, not just bravery.

Moshishi is a uniquely Japanese decorative lion motif that depicts a lion's mane as aquatic plants or algae.

The curved lines, reminiscent of flowing water, are believed to symbolize the cycle of life, purity, and the power to wash away impurities. It has been passed down as a protector against misfortune and a guardian of peaceful daily life.

By superimposing the gentle movement of algae onto the majestic power of the lion, it embodies the meaning of "gentle protection" – not a wild force, but one that quietly stays close and protects.

Lion motif

Since ancient times, the lion has been treasured as a symbol of warding off evil and protection.
As a spiritual beast that repels evil and protects homes and people, it is an indispensable motif in shrines, temples, and festivals.
Lions not only represent strength and courage,
but are also considered a symbol of "parental heart" and "invisible power" that protects what is precious. Imbuing the strings with a dignified presence, the lion watches over children's growth and bestows upon them the strength to overcome difficulties. It is a traditional yet universal motif that combines strength and dignity.

Motifs of Fudō Myōō

Fudō Myōō has been worshipped as a protective Buddhist deity that cuts through delusion and misfortune, guiding people onto the right path.

His angry expression is not meant to instill fear, but rather is said to be a manifestation of his deep compassion and his resolve to protect people. An unshakeable heart, an unyielding will, and the strength to face difficulties.

The Fudō Myōō design incorporated into the tsurubashiri reflects the wish that children will be able to stand on their own two feet and move forward at each milestone in their lives.

4｜Skills Passed Down Through Generations and the Craft of Bringing Them to Life

Kimekomi dolls are meticulously crafted by hand, one by one, based on traditional techniques passed down through a long history.

From creating the prototype, taking the mold, shaping the toso (paulownia sawdust and glue mixture), applying layers of gofun (oyster shell powder), and then embedding the fabric—
The completion process involves many steps, and in each one, the artisan's hands and sensibility reside.

Instead of prioritizing efficiency or quantity, we value the form and presence of the doll,
and take our time to carefully finish each one.

[Process of Making Kimekomi Dolls]　

1 - Creating the Original Model

A craftsman handcrafts the original model of the doll that will be the final product.
This is an important step in determining the overall balance, expression, armor shape, and other aspects of the finished product.

2 - Creating the Mold

Based on the completed original model, a mold is created.
This mold allows for accurate reproduction of the shape down to the finest details.

3 - Creating the Toso Base

We mix paulownia powder with shofu paste (a type of wheat starch glue)
to create "Toso," the base material for the doll.
It is a light, durable, and traditional material ideal for Kimekomi dolls.

4 - Toso Molding

The toso is packed into molds and shaped.
After drying, it is removed from the molds, completing the doll's base.
　

5 - Applying Gofun

Gofun (a white pigment made from seashells) is applied to the surface to create a smooth and beautiful base.
This process allows the fabric to stand out beautifully in the final product.

6 - Kimekomi (Wood Grooving and Fabric Insertion)

Fine grooves are carved into the doll, and pieces of fabric are individually pressed into these grooves to dress the doll.
This creates the delicate and three-dimensional expression characteristic of kimekomi dolls.

Choosing Materials for Lasting Enjoyment

Gogatsu Ningyo (May Dolls) are treasured charms that we display every year, wishing for our children's healthy growth. That's why, with the "Homare Yoroi" series, we prioritize selecting materials that will maintain their beauty over time, allowing them to be cherished for many years to come.

The body is made of "toso" (paulownia wood and sawdust mixture), a traditional material unique to Kimekomi dolls. This material is lightweight yet adequately strong and relatively resistant to humidity changes, making it suitable for seasonal decorations that are displayed for many years. Furthermore, gofun (a white pigment made from crushed seashells) is carefully applied in layers to the surface, creating a soft, elegant texture and a subdued aesthetic.

For the garments, fabrics that combine beautiful colors with durability are selected, and each piece is meticulously finished by skilled artisans using the Kimekomi technique. The Kimekomi method involves tucking the fabric into grooves to shape it, which means it doesn't rely too heavily on adhesive. This allows the doll to maintain its beautiful three-dimensional form while minimizing deterioration over time.

Moreover, for details such as decorations and front plates, materials that prioritize texture and strength are used, ensuring that the overall harmony is maintained during production. We aim for "Homare Yoroi" to be a decoration that allows you to feel the changing seasons each time you display it, and one that deepens in value along with your family's memories.

Its beauty remains timeless despite changing eras, and its presence gently blends into daily life.

"Homare Yoroi" strives to be a seasonal decoration that grows dearer to you with each passing year.

　

5｜Illuminate and Enhance with a Light-Up Pedestal

The illuminated pedestal is available in two colors: natural wood and black lacquer.
A gentle light emanates from the bottom of the pedestal, beautifully highlighting the shadows and three-dimensionality of the armor.
The ability to enjoy different expressions during the day and night is also a captivating feature.

Image

【Shirakidai】
Suigo

【Black Lacquer Stand】
Suigo

【Shirakidai】
Sogetsu

【Black stand】
Sogetsu

[Shirokidai]
Kouen (Crimson Flame)

【Black pedestal stand】
Kouen

【Shirakidai】
Sousho -Azure Flight-

【Black Lacquer Stand】
Sosho

【Shirakidai】
Shikou

[Black Lacquered Base]
Shikou

6｜Sakufuda (Creator's Tag)

A sakufuda is a wooden tag displayed next to a helmet or armor, bearing the name of the doll's creator or craftsman. It serves to certify that the doll is an "authentic" piece crafted by a skilled artisan, enhancing the formality and trustworthiness of the gift.

　

7｜Comes with a special box for storage

Gogatsu dolls are meant to be displayed for a long time.
The Homare Armor series includes a special storage box.

It protects the doll from dust and humidity,
ensuring safe storage even when not on display.

The "Homare Armor Series" is an original project by Hare to Kurasu.

These are May Dolls that possess the artisanal flavor of fine art and crafts, setting them apart from mass-produced items. While preserving the traditional technique of Kimekomi, they are designed to complement modern living spaces.

They naturally blend into your daily life,
quietly conveying your wishes for your child's growth each year.
We hope you and your family can enjoy a wonderful Tango no Sekku that brings smiles for many years to come.

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