Kimekomi Ningyo developed in Kyoto about 250 years ago, and were first made by Tadashige Takahashi from willow offcuts and fabric scraps. These early dolls were called "Yanagi Ningyo" (Willow Dolls) and "Kamo Ningyo" (Kamo Dolls). The name "Kimekomi" comes from the technique of precisely tucking cloth into grooves carved into the doll’s base, creating natural postures. The doll bodies are made from toso (a mix of paulownia sawdust and adhesive). While Kyoto Kimekomi dolls are known for their regal faces, Edo (Tokyo) versions have narrower faces with more defined features. Edo Kimekomi Ningyo dolls replicate noble court attire from the 8th to 12th centuries.