The origins of Hakata Dolls are explained through several traditions, but their foundations are generally traced to around 1600, when Kuroda Nagamasa entered Chikuzen Province and began constructing Fukuoka Castle. As craftsmen from different regions gathered in the growing castle town, techniques associated with roof tiles and ceramics are said to have contributed to the development of locally made unglazed clay figures.

During the late Edo period, accomplished craftsmen including Masaki Sochichi, Nakanoko Kichibei, and Shiramizu Buhei helped expand and refine the local tradition. Colored unglazed figures produced during this period played an important role in the development of the style that would later become known as Hakata Dolls.

In the Meiji period, Hakata doll makers began exhibiting their works at major exhibitions in Japan and overseas. Works were shown at events including the Third National Industrial Exhibition in 1890 and the Paris Exposition of 1900, where their detailed modeling and painting attracted attention. Through these exhibitions, the name Hakata Ningyo became increasingly well known, and the dolls also began to be exported overseas.

Around the late 1890s, leading Hakata doll makers formed a group known as Onwakai, holding regular meetings to present their work, exchange ideas, and improve their techniques. These efforts helped strengthen the craft community and raise the artistic standards of Hakata Dolls.

On February 26, 1976, Hakata Dolls were designated as a Traditional Craft by the Japanese government. Today, artisans continue to produce traditional figures such as bijin and kabuki subjects while also creating works that reflect contemporary themes and styles.

1. 1. Preparing the clay Clay from the area around Fukuoka is prepared by the artisan. The clay is dried, pulverized, elutriated and kneaded until it eventually becomes soft but firm or a "similar texture to an earlobe" as a Japanese expression says.
2. 2. Modeling Picturing the finished doll with its robes, facial expression, and gestures is an important part of the production process. The artisan makes a clay model of the doll including its hands, feet, head, and face using a spatula and fingertips. It is a time-consuming and delicate task that allows the artisan's skills to shine. This step may take several months to complete.
3. 3. Molding This process involves dividing the finished doll's model into segments before casting them in plaster, making sure each section is as small as possible.
   By dividing the model into small pieces, the subtle expression which is the most notable characteristic of Hakata Dollss can be accurately and beautifully copied from the model. A clay wall is constructed around the edge of the model and plaster is poured in to make a mold, which is then left to dry in the shade for around three days.
4. 4. Making the doll's body Small blocks of clay that are 30 cm square and 1 cm thick are prepared. The details of the doll are forged by hand-pressing these small clay slabs onto the plaster mold carefully and adhering them with clay diluted with water called dobe. When completed, the clay doll is carefully removed from the plaster mold to reveal a replica in the clay, which is then left to dry. The doll is hollow at this stage which allows an even firing to the center of the core.
5. 5. Firing The dried doll is biscuit-fired in an electric or gas-fired kiln. In order for the colors to be absorbed well, the firing starts at a low temperature and gradually rises to around 900ºC (1652℉).
6. 6. Coloring The face of the fired clay doll is coated several times with gofun, or white pigment made of shells. After the base coating, the kimono, obi belt, and patterns are colored in this order. Gold coloring or embossing may be applied if necessary.
7. 7. Completing the face Only the most experienced artisans are skilled enough to apply finishing touches to the face of the doll, the appearance of which influences the level of perfection of the finished piece. The artisan captures the spirit of the doll by drawing the red lips, eyes and eyebrows to complete the doll's facial expression.
8. 8. Completion After several months and a variety of processes, a Hakata Dolls is finally complete.