The paints were laid out for me and I set to work, starting with the tiny facial details (no easy task for my nervous hands!), then creating a pattern on the doll’s body using a tiny brush and acrylic paints.
I tried to create a balanced design evoking thoughts of nature and good health, as I was told that Hachiman-okiagari dolls are often given to newborn babies to wish them good health and happiness. 
In particular, they are given as New Year’s gifts and to congratulate recovery from illness or misfortune.