In Photos: Craftspeople in Japan's Akita put soul into traditional 'Yabase' clay dolls

"Yabase" dolls representing various Chinese zodiac animals are seen at the Yabase-ningyo Densho-kan museum in the city of Akita on Feb. 19, 2022. (Satoshi Takahashi)

A craftsperson paints the eyes onto a clay tiger, as if to place a soul inside, at the Yabase-ningyo Densho-kan museum in the city of Akita on Feb. 16, 2022. (Satoshi Takahashi)

A set of "hina" dolls, often presented to newborn girls, is seen at the Yabase-ningyo Densho-kan museum in the city of Akita on Feb. 19, 2022. (Satoshi Takahashi)

"Yabase" dolls crafted by the late Tomo Michikawa, who was the last artisan to make them, are seen at the Yabase-ningyo Densho-kan museum in the city of Akita on Feb. 16, 2022.

A "Tenjin-sama" doll, often presented to newborn boys, is seen at the Yabase-ningyo Densho-kan museum in the city of Akita on Feb. 16, 2022. (Satoshi Takahashi)

"Yabase" doll preservation association members Sachiko Yamagata, left, and Mikiko Konno paint clay tigers at the Yabase-ningyo Densho-kan museum in the city of Akita on Feb. 19, 2022. (Satoshi Takahashi)

"Yabase" doll preservation association members are seen at the Yabase-ningyo Densho-kan museum in the city of Akita on Feb. 19, 2022. There are 13 members in total. (Satoshi Takahashi)

"Yabase" doll preservation association chief Shu Umetsu crafts a figure at the Yabase-ningyo Densho-kan museum in the city of Akita on Feb. 16, 2022. (Satoshi Takahashi)

A craftsperson paints a "Yabase" doll at the Yabase-ningyo Densho-kan museum in the city of Akita on Feb. 16, 2022. General items are made with normal paint, but traditional dolls are also produced with natural pigments and glue. (Satoshi Takahashi)

Each proficient swipe of a brush brings life to a "Yabase" doll, at the Yabase-ningyo Densho-kan museum in the city of Akita on Feb. 19, 2022. (Satoshi Takahashi)

A "Yabase" doll is seen before being painted at the Yabase-ningyo Densho-kan museum in the city of Akita on Feb. 16, 2022. It was baked in a kiln at 800 degrees Celsius, detailed with a file and whitewashed to create a base for vibrant colors. (Satoshi Takahashi)

A craftsperson warms and mixes a natural pigment and glue at the Yabase-ningyo Densho-kan museum in the city of Akita on Feb. 19, 2022. The paint will be the first coating for a "Yabase" doll. (Satoshi Takahashi)

"Yabase" doll preservation association member Yoko Sato crafts a figure using traditional methods, at the Yabase-ningyo Densho-kan museum in the city of Akita on Feb. 19, 2022.

A craftsperson presses clay into a mold to make a "Yabase" doll at the Yabase-ningyo Densho-kan museum in the city of Akita on Feb. 16, 2022. (Satoshi Takahashi)

A figure of a dragon, one of the Chinese zodiac animals, is seen after being taken out of its mold at the Yabase-ningyo Densho-kan museum in the city of Akita on Feb. 16, 2022. (Satoshi Takahashi)

A clay tiger is seen at the Yabase-ningyo Densho-kan museum in the city of Akita on Feb. 16, 2022. (Satoshi Takahashi)