Overview

Japanese dolls (ninyo) have played an important cultural role in Japanese society since its earliest stages of development, as talismanic figures, centrepieces in elaborate festivals, medical study tools, theatre distractions, decorative objects, and avidly collected art forms. This first comprehensive book on antique Japanese dolls published in English focuses on the five main categories of dolls - gosho palace dolls, hina girls' day dolls, musha boys' day dolls, isho costume dolls, and theatrical dolls.

Full Product Details

9780804836159

Table of Contents

Reviews

For those who love knowing everything they can about the history of dolls or who have an interest specifically in the history of Japanese dolls, this is a must read. Since reading, I definitely would like to see some of these dolls in person one day. It opened my eyes up to a whole new era of dolls and makes me appreciate and understand the importance of dolls in Japanese culture a little more. -- Dolly Confessions

For those who love knowing everything they can about the history of dolls or who have an interest specifically in the history of Japanese dolls, this is a must read. Since reading, I definitely would like to see some of these dolls in person one day. It The author's knowledge is undeniable; his description for each doll featured is in̫depth. He meticulously examines their history and, in many cases, their craftsmanship. It's a work of art in its own right and is a truly worthy book that belongs in 'Ningyo explores everything from the nature of materials used to create the dolls, to what they teach us about people from that period, to their spiritual purpose. This beautiful book is a must-have for any fan of Japanese culture. --Sophie's

Author Information

Alan Pate was born in Florida and studied in France, Korea and the US. He has an MA in East Asian Studies from Harvard University. He is the owner of the Japanese antique firm Akanezumiya in St Ignatius, Montana, specializing in religious and figural art of Japan from the Edo period and earlier. He is the leading expert on Japanese dolls in the US, where he has curated exhibitions and lectured extensively. He has also published widely in journals focusing on Japanese antiques. He has been appointed Guest Curator for an exhibition on important US collections of Japanese dolls to be held at the Mingei International Museum in San Diego, CA, in 2005. Photographer, Lynton Gardiner is a professional photographer based in New York, specializing in museum work. He has photographed for the Metropolitan Museum of Art and is the principal photographer for catalogs published by the Mingei International Museum. His photographs have appeared in several art books.

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