The origin of Hakata dolls is commonly accepted to be in the 17th-century Hakata. The center of doll making has been coming from the Kyoto area. Japanese Ningyo first gained international prominence at the 1900 Paris Exposition. Further international acclaim came when three Maiko (舞妓) dancing-girl Hakata dolls won the silver prize in the Paris World's Fair in 1924. The art of Hakata dolls was recognized as a traditional Japanese art form by the Government in 1976. An inspiring Japanese Hakata Ningyo, of an eloquent bijin in a traditional kimono with a sumptuous green obi, flamboyantly standing in wind-sweep apparel above a redwood pedestal, scrambling to hold back her kimono as if she is caught in a surprise by the gusting wind. The lovely characterization is serene with tender emotion. Note that the small comb on her hair is missing. There is age-related yellowing on the unglazed surface. The hand-sculpted elongated geiko (芸子) figure and superb artistry are consistent with the early Meiji Hakata ningyo of Kyoto school origin.