Exhibition of Japanese Dolls
2016/12/12
The Japan Foundation and the Consulate General of Japan in Kolkata organized an exhibition of representative dolls titled ‘Dolls of Japan’ in association with and at Nehru Children’s Museum from 10 to 25 December 2016. More than 50 Japanese dolls of 13 different categories were put on display.
Consul General of Japan in Kolkata, Mr. Masayuki Taga, inaugurated the exhibition on Saturday, 10 December 2016 at 4pm and addressed the audience along with the Director of Nehru Children’s Museum, Mr. Sudip Srimal, who was also present on the occasion. Both of them lighted the lamp signifying the exhibition to be open.
Mr. Taga stated that the dolls depict the essence of culture and craftsmanship of Japan and every doll is different, speaking of a Japanese era.
Mr. Srimal thanked the government of Japan for sending this exhibition to Nehru Children’s Museum and for giving the people in and around Kolkata an unique opportunity to witness this fine exhibition.
Around 8,500 visitors including children visited the exhibition over a span of 16 days. Videos on Japan were also screened at the exhibition which proved to be popular among the visitors.
The exhibition introduced fine examples of a variety of dolls and it is hoped that the visitors enjoyed the beauty of these dolls and took away a piece of this beauty in their hearts.
Consul General of Japan in Kolkata, Mr. Masayuki Taga, inaugurated the exhibition on Saturday, 10 December 2016 at 4pm and addressed the audience along with the Director of Nehru Children’s Museum, Mr. Sudip Srimal, who was also present on the occasion. Both of them lighted the lamp signifying the exhibition to be open.
Mr. Taga stated that the dolls depict the essence of culture and craftsmanship of Japan and every doll is different, speaking of a Japanese era.
Mr. Srimal thanked the government of Japan for sending this exhibition to Nehru Children’s Museum and for giving the people in and around Kolkata an unique opportunity to witness this fine exhibition.
Around 8,500 visitors including children visited the exhibition over a span of 16 days. Videos on Japan were also screened at the exhibition which proved to be popular among the visitors.
The exhibition introduced fine examples of a variety of dolls and it is hoped that the visitors enjoyed the beauty of these dolls and took away a piece of this beauty in their hearts.
About the Dolls of Japan
Japan enjoys a rich culture of dolls. Each doll has its own distinct meaning and purpose, and is deeply connected to daily life. Old Japanese traditions such as Hina Matsuri (Girls’ Festival) have fostered this unique culture of dolls. This traditional appreciation for dolls has resulted in the belief that dolls are not only children’s toys but also works of art to be displayed and admired.
Japanese dolls are characterized by their serene facial expressions. These delicate expressions are achieved by carefully sculpting the outer layer of pulverized oyster shell which covers the dolls’ faces.
Japanese dolls are characterized by their serene facial expressions. These delicate expressions are achieved by carefully sculpting the outer layer of pulverized oyster shell which covers the dolls’ faces.
The following types of dolls were a part of the exhibition:
A HINA NINGYO (Dolls for the Girls’ Festival)
On March 3 in Japan, families with daughters celebrate the Hina Matsuri or Girls’ Festival. This beautiful festival is a traditional custom dating back some 1,000 years. On this day, each family displays their set of Hina dolls as a sign of their prayers for the happiness of their young daughters.
B GOGATSU NINGYO (Dolls for the Boys’ Festival)
The festival for boys that corresponds to the March 3 Hina Matsuri is called Tango no Sekku, or simply Boys’ Festival, and is held on May 5. Families with sons display splendid sets of miniature armor and figures of costumed warriors, and offer prayers that their sons will grow up strong and healthy.
C NOH NINGYO (Noh Dolls)
Noh theater, which had its beginning in the Muromachi period (1400-1600), is one of Japan’s great traditional art forms. In Noh, actors wear masks and elaborate costumes as they dance.
D BUNRAKU NINGYO / KABUKI NINGYO (Dolls from Famous Bunraku or Kabuki Scenes)
Together with Noh, Bunraku and Kabuki are known as the great traditional arts of Japan. Themes for these dolls are taken from especially famous scenes in Bunraku and Kabuki.
E OSHIE HAGOITA (Battledores with Raised Pictures)
Designs are cut from thick paper and wrapped in habutae silk containing cotton, or in pieces of another fabric. Different features and colors are then added and the various elements of the picture (oshie) combined and affixed to the hagoita.
F KYO NINGYO (Dolls of Kyoto)
Dolls made in Kyoto, the city of traditions. Especially intricate embroidery has been lavished on the costumes.
G OYAMA NINGYO (Dolls Depicting Young Women)
These dolls depict the styles and fashions of Japanese women, particularly their hairstyles and brilliant costumes.
H KIMEKOMI NINGYO (Wooden Dolls Dressed in Kimono)
“Kimekomi” refers to the technique of attiring a doll by pasting on colored cloth.
I HAKATA NINGYO (Hakata Dolls)
Hakata ningyo, which are made in the Hakata area of Kyushu and representative of clay dolls in Japan, are known particularly for their beautiful colors.
J GOSHO NINGYO (Imperial Palace Dolls)
Dolls made with large heads and fair skin to convey the sweet appearance of children.
K ICHIMATSU NINGYO (Ichimatsu Dolls)
Dolls realistically depicting Japanese children.
L Dolls Depicting the Customs of Japan
Dolls showing Japanese children in various activities.
M Dolls Created by Modern Craftsmen
In Japan, dolls are a highly rated form of artistic craft. Doll exhibitions are a form of competition where craftsmen show off their finest techniques.
N KOKESHI NINGYO (Traditional Kokeshi Dolls)
Kokeshi dolls, which are known for their simplicity and brilliant colors are made using Japanese wood turnery techniques. They are divided into two general types, “Traditional Kokeshi” and “Creative Kokeshi.”
“Traditional Kokeshi” are a local art form practiced in the northeast regions of Japan. They originated in the latter part of the Edo period. Traditional Kokeshi dolls are further classified according to the location of the workshop where they are made, such as the Naruko-series of dolls, the Tsuchiyu-series, etc. The dolls of each series have their own special features and designs. The techniques used in the making of these dolls have been handed down from master to pupil to the present day.