Japanese dolls are very popular all over the world and are also known as ‘ningyo’ which literally means ‘human figure’ in the Japanese language. Some Japanese dolls represent kings and queens while some are images of common people. Then there are those Japanese dolls that are figures of people belonging to different trades. The more traditional Japanese dolls were in the form of lords and Samurai warriors or even fairy-tale characters. In Japan, dolls were usually meant to be part of the shrine in homes or were meant to be given away as gifts on special occasions.
Among the most popular Japanese dolls are the ‘Daruma’, the ‘Kokeshi’ and the ‘Hakata’ dolls. ‘Daruma’ dolls are considered to bring good luck and are typically known for their spherical shape. These Japanese dolls usually have a red body and a white face. ‘Kokeshi’ dolls are unique in their form. These Japanese dolls are very unlike the human figure and do not have arms or legs. These dolls have only a large head and cylindrical body painted in bright colours. ‘Kokeshi’ dolls are made from wood and were initially made as toys for farmers’ children. ‘Hakata’ dolls, on the other hand, are made of clay. Other types of Japanese dolls include the ‘Gosho’, the ‘Ichimatsu’, the ‘Kimekomi’ and the ‘Takeda’ dolls.
‘Gosho’ dolls represent cherubic, bouncing babies. These Japanese dolls are ideal as gifts for small children. ‘Hina’ dolls usually are images of Japanese Emperors and Empresses. There are other Japanese dolls, too, that represent characters from the traditional Japanese court. Japan is known to celebrate ‘Girls Day’ and ‘Boys Day’ and Japanese dolls are an integral part of both celebrations. ‘Hina’ dolls are displayed during ‘Girls Day’ and Samurai dolls are displayed on ‘Boys Day’.
‘Musha’ dolls are warrior dolls that represent characters such as a Japanese Emperor, a minister of the court, a Samurai or some fairy-tale character. ‘Ichimatsu’ dolls are little boys and girls in various poses, dressed in the traditional kimono. ‘Kimekomi’ actually refers to a method of doll-making where the basic body of the doll is made from willow and then decorated using bits of cloth.
Some Japanese dolls are made using special ‘Washi’ paper. These Japanese dolls can be either flat or three-dimensional depending upon the doll maker. Costumes for such Japanese dolls are elaborate and also made of paper.
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