Enchanting display of Japanese cultural heritage through centuries

Islamabad
Showcasing an enchanting display of Japanese cultural heritage and history passing through centuries, the exhibition titled ‘Dolls of Japan- Shapes of prayer, Embodiment of Love’ organised by the Japan Foundation in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan in Pakistan and the Pakistan National Council of the Arts opened at National Art Gallery on Wednesday.
The exhibition of Dolls from Japan presents a diverse and intricate ensemble of Japanese Dolls carrying exuberant details marking the height of craftsmanship that is considered an important example of fine decorative art.
Hiroshi Inomata, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, inaugurated the exhibition. While speaking to a large gathering of guests and enthusiasts including Diplomats from various Missions here in Islamabad, the ambassador said ‘the purpose of showcasing this exhibition is to give the visitors a close glimpse of the versatility and individuality of the traditional and cultural life of Japanese people through these artistic handmade objects’.
Taking pride in his cultural heritage, the ambassador further said ‘As no matter how much progress we make in the world through our up-to-date machines and robots, we Japanese, still keep in touch with our traditions and values. For instance these handcrafted dolls are still significant for us today as they were for our ancestors’.
Dolls have been important to the Japanese culture for centuries. They reflect the history of Japan from prehistoric to modern times. Some dolls were thought to have religious meaning or mystical powers while others were appreciated for their beauty. Japan enjoys a rich culture and long history of dolls. Each doll has its own distinct meaning and purpose, and is deeply connected to daily life. The history of dolls is long, with the oldest known doll in the world dating back nearly 24,000 years. The origin of Japanese dolls is also extremely old, beginning in the Jomon period about 3,000 BC. But it is only since the Edo period (1603-1868) that dolls have taken on a wide variety of forms and purposes, and many different types have been produced -- as the embodiment of spirits to be worshipped, as objects endowed with magical powers, as playthings in human form, or simply for the purpose of display and appreciation.
More than 70 dolls displayed at the exhibition under the theme “Shapes of Prayer, Embodiments of Love”, sent by the Japan Foundation. Among the diverse display, each Doll carries a story of the cultural heritage of different time. From the enchanting ‘Ishogi Shinno Kazari, a pair of Dolls wearing the intricate costume that Imperial family wore during Heian period; Ujjin Toko-Kazari, the grand warriors first battle all in beautiful costume and armour in intricate details, there were a variety of dolls representing simple Japanese lifestyle followed by women and children in their day to day life. A women in Kimono from Edo period absorbed in reading a book, a Child in spring, group of children playing, women getting ready to go out, a Sumo wrestler, and a number of Dolls of Emperors and Generals in rich costumes made the exhibition look like a historical journey through Japan.
Japanese dolls traditionally known as “Ningyo (human shape)” are a unique cultural symbol because of their rich history and association with the Japanese way of life. They reflect the customs of Japan and the aspirations of its people, possess distinctive regional attributes, and over the centuries have developed in many diverse forms. Dolls also provide a showcase for traditional Japanese craft products, such as textiles.
Though the human figure in miniature can be found in some form or another within cultures around the world, in Japan, the doll art having risen to the height of craftsmanship, is now considered an important example of fine decorative art. The most popular Japanese dolls are those crafted for two important festivals, Girl's Day (Hinamatsuri) March 3rd and Boy's Day (Tango-No-Sekku) May 5th. Both of these are festivals which honour children with elaborate displays of dolls set up for them. These dolls, constructed of straw, silk brocade, wood and crushed shell (gofun) are impeccably created as delights for both young and old. They would be given on the girl's first Hinamatsuri by relatives and close friends. They are often passed from mother to daughter as family heirlooms. They are works of art to be admired and appreciated, never to be mishandled in play.
The Exhibition of Japanese Dolls would remain open for public viewing at National Art Gallery till 30 January 2015.