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The allure of Japanese dolls

by ANJANA GAMAGE

Many women link their childhood memories to a favourite doll. It may be a threadbare rag doll, an elegant Barbie or even one of those electronically controlled walking, talking, crying ones.

Hatsu Sekku - First Boys Festival (modern doll)

Whatever the preference, dolls have remained a girl's best companion since time immemorial. And the appeal continues with "Dolls of Japan" offering the young and the young at heart a glimpse of some exclusive dolls that reflect not only the creativity of the Japanese people, but also their customs and tradition.

Held to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Japan "Dolls of Japan" is the 3rd such exhibition Lanka. Organised by the Embassy of Japan and the Japan Foundation in collaboration with the Colombo Public Library, the exhibition will take place at the Colombo Public Library main auditorium from September 24 to 30 from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm daily.

Ichimatsu Ningyo - Dolls realistically depicting Japanese children

According to T. Noda, second Secretary Cultural Affairs, Embassy of Japan " Dolls of Japan" is a travelling exhibition which displays some of the unique dolls of Japan in a variety of categories including Hina Ningyo (Dolls of the Hina festival), Kimekomi Ningyo (Wooden dolls dressed in Kimono) and Kokeshi dolls.

"These dolls have been a part of every day life since ancient times and reflects the customs of Japan and the aspirations of its people," he said adding that the exhibition will help visitors to appreciate various aspects of Japanese culture.

According to J.Bandaranaike, press officer of the Cultural Department of the Japanese Embassy, the Japanese dolls are not mere toys. 

" You can keep them as ornaments. Like the art of Ikebana and Bonsai, the dolls are also a part of their heritage".

About 70 types of dolls all hand-made by professional doll makers using fabric , wood, ceramic, papers and plaster of paris will be on show at the exhibition.

Bandaranaike said that since the Japanese dolls are very expensive with some priced up to Rs. 100,000, the dolls will only be on show and not on sale.

"This will be a very good opportunity for schoolchildren. 

They can get an idea of the culture of another country and also can try their hands at making dolls for their school exhibitions as well", he added.

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