Exhibition of Traditional Japanese Doll – Ningyo to be held in Tbilisi Today
Embassy of Japan in Georgia presents its first cultural event, the exhibition of traditional Japanese dolls – ningyo with the cooperation from Georgian National Museum. Exhibition will start today and be finished on 1 November. The exhibition represents a great opportunity of introducing this aspect of Japanese culture and art in Georgia. Dolls presented on this exhibition are from the private collection of Mrs. Ambassador - Junko Kamohara. The Japanese word ningyo literally means human figure, but it is commonly translated as ‘doll’. Most of the traditional ningyo are not intended for children but are afforded some level of respect or even admiration. From the earliest times, wide variety of figures carved into the human shape fulfilled a multitude of functions over the course of Japanese history. These included: fertility talisman, ritual substitution in funerary rites, amulet to protect children, temporary lodging place for spirits invoked to bless and protect the home, special gift conveying auspicious wishes or commemorating specific occasions, and sometimes child’s plaything and companion. In the early 11th century, around the peak of the Heian period, the first dolls bearing resemblance to those of present day were made. Japanese doll culture arguably reached its zenith during the Edo period. The necessity of the ningyo grew day by day. Wealthy people played an important role in this process since they were buying beautiful doll sets for displaying them in their houses or as valuable gifts. Due to growing demand for the ningyo, sets of dolls came to include larger and more elaborate figures. There are various types of Japanese dolls — image of children, babies, the imperial court warriors and heroes, and also people of the daily life of Japanese cities. Many have a long tradition and are still made today. For instance: Isho-Ningyo , or the "fashion doll" is perhaps the most diverse and layered of the many categories of Japanese dolls. Originally depicting beautiful women and popular actors, they emerged in the latter part of the 17th century. Musha-Ningyo is a warrior doll, which is embodying the martial spirit of the samurai. Hina –Ningyo is perhaps the most classic of Japanese ningyo, which are typically displayed only during the Hina-matsuri (Girl’s Day). Hina-ningyo is a set of 15 dolls; Ichimatsu-ningyo comes closest to the western concept of a play doll. This type of doll represents little girls or boys, correctly proportioned and usually with flesh-colored skin and glass eyes. Hakata-ningyo are made from clay. One striking characteristic of the dolls is the uniquely smooth transparent feeling of the white skin. Kokeshi-ningyo are simple play dolls, which are considered a folk art. Takeda-Ningyo is a dramatic doll, communicating the pathos and intense emotions, are positioned on stands. Takeda-ningyo became popular in Japan from the 19th century. Kimekomi-Ningyo is a technique of doll making in which the doll form is carved of wood and then covered with pieces of fabric which are inserted into slits in the wood you give the illusion of clothing. This method can be so well done that until touching figure, it seems as if the doll is wearing regular clothing.
