Ningyo: The Art of the Japanese Doll

Description

Ningyo: The Art of the Japanese Doll features over 250 unique photographs as well as extensive commentary and background history. Japanese dolls ( ningyo ) have played an important role in Japanese art and culture since its earliest stages of development, as talismanic figures, centerpieces, in elaborate festivals, medical study tools, theater distractions, decorative objects, and avidly collected art forms, as well as childhood playthings. Ningyo: The Art of the Japanese Doll is the most comprehensive book on antique Japanese dolls and figurines published in English. The book focuses on the many types of Japanese dolls: gosho: palace dolls hina: Girl's Day dolls musha: warrior dolls for the Boy's Day Festival isho: fashion dolls The principal forms of the dolls and their history, stylistic development, cultural context, and economic imperatives are discussed against the backdrop of Edo-period society and popular culture. Beautifully detailed color photographs of ningyo drawn from private collections, many of which are published here for the first time, as well as images of related materials selected from celebrated museums and temple collections, such as folding screens, woodblock prints, sculpture, painting ceramics, and textiles, help place the dolls in context. Ningyo: The Art of the Japanese Doll is a fascinating book for anyone interested in Asian doll art and doll collecting. Review: WARRIORS, ACTORS, AND DEMONS - Alan Scott Pate’s impressive book is a detailed exploration of ningyo, an enthralling array of dolls from Japan’s Edo period (1615 – 1868). The dolls are creations of wood, silk, and gofun (a paste of crushed oyster shells which creates their porcelain white faces). The term “doll” is somewhat misleading as these are not playthings. The meticulously detailed figures were intended to commemorate, entertain, and educate. Some were used in the theater and others by medical practitioners. The figures range from a fierce warrior battling a tiger to an undersea princess riding a turtle, and from exotically costumed actors to wild eyed demons. Many of the figures are shown alongside historic woodblock prints featuring the same character. Alan Scott Pate details the symbolism of the costumes, hairstyles, props, and gestures of the dolls. The bits of history and legend that illuminate the story of each doll are told in rich detail. The serious student of Japanese culture will find this book to be a valuable resource. Other readers will be captivated by the color photographs and enjoy an intriguing glimpse into a remarkable culture. Review: Beautiful - Bought as a gift for my daughter. She loved it. There are many gorgeous photos of various dolls and explanations of the various types and uses.