These photographs depict the various steps in the making of a tachibina, or standing hina doll. The base of the figure is carved from laminated paulownia wood, which is then coated with layers of gofun, a powdered-seashell paste. The facial features are built up in gofun, sanded, and then carved into shape. This doll is done in the kimekomi style, which refers to the way in which the costume is folded tightly into incisions made in the body of the figure. The doll shown here is dressed in kara-ori, or Chinese-style fabric, specially woven for dolls.

1	Carving the form in paulownia wood.
2	Applying the first two coats of gofun (powdered-seashell paste).
3	Applying a layer of paper to prevent cracking.
4	Applying two more coats of gofun.
5	Building up the features (ears, nose, eyes, collars, etc.) with gofun.
6	Applying the secondary layers of gofun (8- 12 coats).
7	Carving the details of the features.
8	First sanding (with either sharkskin or sandpaper).
9	Wipping thc surface with hot towel to remove scratches.
10	Fine polishing with tokusa (the rough inside surface of split snakegrass reeds) or sandpaper.
11	Applying the top layers of gefun (6-8 coats).
12	For kimekomi dolls, crevices into which the costume fabric will be fitted are incised with knife.
13	Pressing the fabric into incised lines.
14	Painting in the facial features (eyebrows, eyes, mouth, etc.).