It has been said that the origin of this Konohazaru doll started around 1300 years ago. Reizo and his daughter are currently the 7th generation of their family producing these clay monkey dolls by hand following their ancestors traditions. Local red clay is collected and processed at their studio. Next the dolls are hand-built without the use of molds, these hand shaping techniques are called “tebineri” in Japanese (hand-building). After being formed and dried for a period of time, they are biscuit-fired and hand painted. Within the local area Konohazaru dolls have commonly been displayed at doorways since ancient times, and treasured as a guardian deity that wards off disasters, diseases, and brings protection and prosperity for people. This Meshikui Saru (rice-eating monkey) is filled with the wish for prosperity of food.