Japanese Dolls

Japanese Dolls: The Fascinating World of Ningyo, has a wealth of information for Japanese art collectors such as myself. I am planning to visit Japan in a few weeks and I bought this book to help me select souvenirs. It is a nice coffee table book too.

The book is full of beautiful photographs and details 18 different kinds of widely collected antique and vintage dolls and figurines (ningyo). Author Alan Scott Pate writes in detail about the history of each type of doll and shares practical tips on how to collect this amazing Japanese art form. Information on several artists who create the dolls is also included.

Included in this guide to Japanese dolls are:

• Festival dolls: hina-ningyo, musha-ningyo, tableau dolls

• Display dolls: saga-ningyo, gosho-ningyo, isho-ningyo, iki-ningyo

• Wood dolls: kamo-ningyo, nara-ningyo, kokeshi-ningyo

• Clay dolls: fushimi-ningyo, hakata-ningyo

• Mechanical dolls: karakuri-ningyo, kobe-ningyo

• Theatrical dolls: bunraku-ningyo, takeda-ningyo

• Play dolls: ichimatsu-ningyo, keue saiko

It's amazing to me that there are so many different names for the dolls. Perhaps we have similar descriptions for types of dolls in English but at the moment I can't think of any. Personally, I am interested in festival and wood dolls. The history and traditions of them was interesting reading as was the information on how to care for them. At the end of the book is a list of dealers in Japan, the U. S. and Europe. If I run out of money in Japan at least I know that I can still get them.

Most of the pages are filled with photos. This is a wonderful book to peruse off an on. It's relaxing to read a few pages with a cup of coffee. 5 out of 5 stars.

Ogi: A History of the Japanese Fan

Ogi, A History of the Japanese Fan is an over-sized picture book on Japanese fans. It comes inside an impressive gold binder. Per Wikipedia, Ogi (扇) is a "folding fan thought to have originated in Japan in the 7th century, initially made of thin strips of bamboo or cypress threaded together. Fans were not only a practical way to keep cool, but also used to communicate important information and were status symbols in the samurai and upper classes." To me it's a coffee table book, but one with information for buyers of these gorgeous fans.

The book consists primarily of 112 pages photos of fans, with small paragraph descriptions interspersed, throughout the book. The authors, from the British Museum, have divided the fans into fifteen eras, from 10,000 BCE to the present. They have then organized fans into three categories: traditional Japanese fans, Japanese export fans and advertising, commemorative and contemporary fans. Each of these categories contain fans from their inception in 10,000 BCE to the present. Basically, Ogi is a museum book for an exhibition of fans in Britain. It has outstanding photos and I love to peruse its pages for relaxation.

Art lovers will enjoy this book. 5 out of 5 stars.

Kokeshi Dolls

I bought this book on Japanese kokeshi dolls in order to prepare for an upcoming trip to Japan. I know that I will be buying some arty souvenirs and these wooden dolls have peaked my interest. The book offers an inside look at kokeshi dolls from the woodworkers behind their design to their important cultural significance. You can see the simplicity and charm of these traditional Japanese dolls. They are known for their cylindrical shape and distinctive absence of arms and legs. Originally crafted as children's toys in Japan's Tohoku region in the mid 1800s, these dolls have evolved into sought-after collector's items, inspiring renowned architects and artists worldwide.

In this visual guide, readers will find the following:

• An overview of the various Kokeshi doll types

• How kokeshi dolls are crafted, including information on tools and woods used

• Interviews with leading kokeshi craftspeople worldwide

• Detailed information on both traditional and modern Kokeshi dolls

• An exploration of the cultural significance, both historically and in the post-earthquake and tsunami rebuilding efforts of northern Japan in 2011

• A guide to visiting Japan's kokeshi regions

• Tips on purchasing these dolls directly from Japanese artisans or through global stockists

Filled with artist interviews, gorgeous photos and firsthand travel experience, author Manami Okazaki has created a book to be enjoyed by all, from serious collectors to woodcrafters, interior designers, architects, armchair travelers and anyone with an interest in Japanese culture and travel. Kokeshi dolls are crafted in 12 different styles. I would list them but few folks would understand the words. Basically, the styles are named after the region in which they were created. This book has separate chapters on each style of doll.

The book has been a fantastic resource for me. I know what styles I like and want to purchase. Also, I know which artisans that I want to buy from but am still not sure how to find their studios. I will need a Japanese interpreter for sure. There are several photos on each page which makes for a fun coffee table book. 

Kokeshi Dolls is a fantastic resource for art lovers and I am rating it 5 out of 5 stars.

2024 Creativity Reading Challenge

I did not participate in this challenge this year but have missed it.  Now that I am retired I consider my job title to be a full-time artist.  In the past I have reviewed watercolor and fiber art books.  Let's see what I can come up with in 2024.  The rules are:

The challenge runs from January 1 through December 31, 2024. 

Read as many books as you want.

Books may be nonfiction, memoir, how-to, self help, coffee table books, instructional, picture books, and even fictional books if they are about people who are creative.

Books of any format including traditional books, ebooks or audiobooks

You may reread books. 

Books may count towards other reading challenges in which you are participating.

Sign up in the comments of the challenge post.