On the plaza of Lincoln Center until Monday, there’s a Japanese artisan village set up in conjunction with Heisei Nakamura-za revival of a rarely performed 19th-century kabuki ghost story at the Rose Theater. Built of wooden stalls in Japanese nagaya style—traditional bungalows built in rows–artisans are making specialty crafts on the spot. These include Nihon Ningyo (hand-painted dolls), Tenugui (fine cotton towels), Kanzashi (hair ornaments). There’s also a fun display of sake barrels.
The dolls being sold are intricately constructed using 74 separate steps, beginning with the fabrication of the body made of wood sawdust strengthened by rice glue, a head shaped by chisels, eyes made of glass, and many coatings of paste made from powdered oyster or clam shells to produce the right sheen. Each doll is dressed in a tiny kimono made from antique kimono fabric.
Other vendors are making beautiful fans, art prints and paper.
Michelle is the founder of Untapped New York and the author of The Art Spy (HarperOne, forthcoming) Secret Brooklyn, Secret New York Hidden Bars & Restaurants, and Broadway. michelleyoungwriter.com
