ETO DRAGON M

MEDIUM DRAGON FIGURINE FOR THE NEW YEAR

YEAR : 2024

MATERIAL : Paper

SIZE : H. 15 x W. 8 x D. 17,5 cm

To bring hariko figurines to life, artisans use wet washi paper that they tap onto wooden shapes. Then all you need is a little glue. Once the paper is dry, an incision is made to extract the shape from the wood. To decorate it, it is then covered with nikawa, an adhesive obtained after boiling natural products. The craftsman applies a layer of gofun, a preparation made from crushed shells, which will give it its immaculate whiteness. The final touch: a colorful pattern painted manually by the craftsman. To make the figure sturdier, multiple layers of washi paper are layered on top of each other.

If the hariko figurines are so malleable, it is thanks to the multiple layers of washi paper used. Craftsmen can thus shape them into elegant shapes. The most typical are the twelve animals of the Japanese zodiac called ETO.

In Japan, the figurine representing the coming year is offered in January as an object of protection

Made in Japan

< >

THE YEAR OF THE DRAGON

In accordance with a 12-year cycle, each year is associated with an animal sign. Among the 12 animals in the order of the Chinese zodiac, the dragon comes in fifth position.
In Chinese culture, the dragon symbolizes power, nobility, honor, luck and success. He represents a supernatural and talented being, having achieved unparalleled perfection.
If we refer to the history of the Chinese zodiac, the Jade Emperor, ruler of the divinities, wanted to select 12 animals for the sole purpose of constituting his personal guard. For this, he decided to organize a race whose final line would consist of crossing the Heavenly Gate while the rank of the animals would be determined by the order of arrival of each. As the majestic dragon passed through the Heavenly Gate fifth.