KUALA LUMPUR, Dolls are usually treated as children’s playthings but in Japan, they are an integral part of daily life, having held deep cultural significance since ancient times.
The ongoing Ningyo Exhibition: Art and Beauty of Japanese Dolls at the National Museum (Muzium Negara) here provides the public with the opportunity to explore the history of dolls in Japan as well as the folklore associated with them.
The exhibition, from May 7 to July 8, is organised by Japan Foundation Kuala Lumpur (JFKL) in collaboration with the Department of Museums Malaysia (JMM), the Ministry of National Unity and the Embassy of Japan.
JFKL director Tsukamoto Norihisa said the exhibition aims to expose the local community to the cultural aspects and roles of dolls in Japanese society, spanning from the seventh century to the modern era.
“Ningyo is a Japanese word that means ‘doll’, thus, this exhibition explores Japanese dolls and their culture which is nurtured in the history and folklore of Japan. The exhibition also f
ocuses on how dolls are used in seasonal celebrations perceived as folk art.
“Through this exhibition, we hope to introduce Japanese culture to the local community while enjoying the art and beauty of Ningyo culture and its diversity,” he told Bernama.
Tsukamoto, who speaks fluent Bahasa Melayu, said the exhibition showcases 67 Japanese dolls that are displayed in four sections to provide a comprehensive introduction to how they are used in Japanese culture and rituals. The sections are ‘Ningyo to pray for children’s growth’, ‘Ningyo as fine art’, ‘Ningyo as folk art’, and ‘Spread of Ningyo culture’.
‘During the Hina Matsuri (Girls’ Day) festival every March 3, the Hina Ningyo will be displayed at home and temples and we pray for the well-being and protection of our daughters.
‘We also use Dairi-bina dolls, dressed in elaborate traditional costumes, in the Hina Matsuri festival. The Dairi-bina dolls generally depict the Emperor and Empress of the Edo Period (1603-1868). Sannin-kanjo (their three female sl
aves) and five musician dolls known as Gonin-bayashi are also displayed,’ he said,
He said starting around the 17th century, dolls began to be admired as objects of art due to the intricate craftsmanship involved in making each doll.
‘It involves intricate carvings and use of colours and finely detailed clothing and floral garlands. The Isho Ningyo: Fuji Musume (Wisteria Maiden) doll, for example, wears a costume which is a true-to-life representation of the costume worn by the women performing the Wisteria Maiden dance,’ he added.
Tsukamoto said the exhibition also showcases dolls from various regions in Japan, each with its own characteristics and personality. It also sheds light on the evolution of doll craftsmanship over the decades.
‘In Ningyo Joruri, a traditional Japanese performing art using puppets, each puppet is controlled by three individuals to present various tales and stories,” he added.
The exhibition also features a collection of dolls specifically designed for anime enthusiasts, depicti
ng their beloved characters from anime series and games.
Muzium Negara Exhibition and Research Unit curator Shenna Anak Skem said the exhibition will strengthen the diplomatic relationship between Malaysia and Japan.
“This exhibition is a proactive and strategic collaborative effort between JMM and JFKL, aimed at making an impact on the relationship between Malaysia and Japan,” she said.
In conjunction with the exhibition, Muzium Negara and JFKL, in collaboration with Animangaki, will organise a Japanese Cultural Day on June 1, featuring a variety of activities such as workshops, demonstrations and competitions related to Japanese culture.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency