和紙を使った木目込みの夫婦道祖神です。 高さ約5cm、直径約3.5cmです。 　 信州の安曇野や、上田市野倉（のくら）の里にひっそりと佇む道祖神。 古くから旅人を見守り、縁結びや夫婦円満の象徴として親しまれてきたその「双体道祖神（夫婦道祖神）」をモチーフにデザインした、和紙を使った木目込み人形です。 村の境界や道の辻に祀られ、「旅の安全」や「縁結び・夫婦円満」を願う守り神として古くから親しまれています。 Handcrafted Washi Paper "Dosojin" Figurine | Guardian of Travelers and Couples 【Description】 This exquisite figurine is a "Dosojin" — a traditional Japanese deity found in the serene countrysides of Azumino and Ueda (Nokura) in Nagano prefecture. Created using the traditional Kimekomi technique with textured Washi paper, this piece features a pair of deities leaning together in a gentle, egg-shaped form. Symbolism and History: Protection & Harmony: Historically, Dosojin statues were placed at village borders to protect travelers from harm and to bring harmony, love, and fertility to couples. Heritage Design: This design was originally created by our studio, Irodori Mingeisha, during the Showa era. For decades, these figurines were delivered to local souvenir shops in Matsumoto city to be cherished by travelers. Size: Height: Approx. 5 cm (2 inches) Diameter: Approx. 3.5 cm (1.4 inches) この人形は、作者・佐藤由里が考案した独自の技法で作られています。 軽量な芯材に細かな溝を彫り、そこに一枚ずつ和紙を丁寧に「木目込んで（はめ込んで）」いくことで、繭のようなふっくらとした優しい質感を生み出しています。手に取った瞬間に感じる、和紙ならではの温もりと驚きの軽さをお楽しみください。 　This figurine is created using a unique, original technique developed by the artist, Yuri Sato. Instead of traditional wood, she uses a modern lightweight core, meticulously carving fine grooves and "tucking" (Kimekomi) textured Washi paper into them one by one. This innovative method results in a charming, rounded form with a soft, warm touch that is surprisingly light.