Islamabad, 12 January 2022 (TDI): A Japanese Dolls (Ningyo) exhibition has been inaugurated in Islamabad to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Pakistan.
The exhibition is titled “NINGYO: Art and Beauty of Japanese Dolls.” It is a joint venture of the Japanese Embassy in Pakistan and the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA).
WADA Mitsuhiro, the Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan inaugurated the opening ceremony of the exhibition at PNCA. Andleeb Abbas, member of the National Assembly of Pakistan and Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs was the Chief Guest at the occasion.
During the ceremony, the Japanese Ambassador underscored the significance of the NINGYO dolls. These dolls have been an essential part of the Japanese culture for eons.
WADA Mitsuhiro further highlighted the history of Japan from prehistoric to modern times. He stated that the commemorative exhibition is a marvelous opportunity for Pakistanis to learn about the Japanese dolls culture.
In this regard, the Japan Foundation endeavors to foster mutual understanding, setting its mission “Cultivating friendship and ties between Japan and the world”.
Japanese dolls are one of the true representations of traditional Japanese culture. There are different types of traditional dolls. Some represent children and babies, some are the portrayal of the imperial court, warriors, and heroes, while some are fairy-tale characters, gods, and demons, as well as people of the daily life of Japanese cities.
The different Japanese dolls are Oyama, Hanayome, Kimekomi, Renjishi/kagamijishi, Samurai Japan/Kabuki Ningyo and Gosho Ningyo.
Oyama Ningyo is a general term for female dolls. Hanayome Ningyo are bridal dolls and are in two kinds of costumes; shiromuku which are white bridal robes) or uchikake which are bridal robes in other colors.
Kimekomi Ningyo is a wood and cloth doll and is a dancer doll. Renjishi/kagamijishi dolls use the stone bridge or two lions as motifs. Samurai Japan/Kabuki Ningyo are male dolls that represent figures of samurais during the Edo period.
While the Gosho Ningyo are palace dolls in the shape of children aged between 1 and 6 years old. They have white faces and many of them are in crawling or sitting positions.
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