Constructing Mataro dolls is a 250+ year-old art form stemming from Japanese culture. Plush Mills resident Kyoko DiMaggio recently displayed her own hand-crafted Mataro dolls in a case in our lobby. Kyoko has successfully completed 13 dolls – having both the skill and patience to endure the deeply intricate process.

Kyoko DiMaggio displaying some of her Mataro dolls.

Generally, each Mataro treasure honors an event in Japanese history, or represents a folk tale. Artists who make these works are greatly respected and their creations are valued highly by collectors.

Kyoko DiMaggio with her Mataro diploma and latest Mataro doll.