"Dolls are a highly rated form of artistic craft in Japan. And, it is not an exaggeration that no country in the world is as rich in the most varied types of dolls as Japan.
They are a unique expression of Japanese culture." This was stated by Kanji Hanagata, Consul-General of Japan, at the launching ceremony of Japanese dolls here on Wednesday.
An exhibition of traditional Japanese dolls has been organised by Japan Cultural Centre, Karachi, in collaboration with Pakistan-Japan Cultural Association, Sindh, and Danishgah (Association for Retarded Children).
Kanji said that the exhibition comprises Kokeshi Dolls sent by Japan Foundation, a subsidiary of Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He said that there is a much wider concept of the word "doll" and it holds cultural and spiritual connection which many may not understand.
"For the Japanese, they are Ningyo, figures portraying the human form, and offer so many shapes and meanings to the loving mind. It is this special love that has brought us together."
He said that in Japan's role in the global community, side by side with its industrial and technological achievements so far, dolls exhibition has always been very favourably received in many countries of the world, including Pakistan.
"Pakistan and Japan have longstanding ties of friendship and the people of both nations share an attitude of appreciating each other's culture with contentment. It is my basic belief that deepening mutual understanding with other countries and nourishing friendship at citizens level have undoubtedly helped in easing tensions and burying various differences in the world," he added.
He said that the traditional Kokeshi has been practised since the Edo period about 250 years ago in Japan.
"Then the farmers of Tohoku region made Kokeshi as toys and as images of pretty little girls. Today, they are made according to conventional local techniques passed down through generations. It is amazing how many variations on the simple sphere and cylinder theme there are.
Nevertheless, these dolls, both traditional and creative Kokeshi, have become appealing collector's item all over the world and one of the most popular souvenirs of Japan," he added.
Shahina Jabeen (wife of Sindh Governor Ishrat-ul-Ebad), inaugurated the exhibition. She said that the dolls exhibition "is a source of encouragement for all of us" and a sign of solid friendship between Pakistan and Japan.
Fatima Suraiya Bajia, President, Pakistan-Japan Cultural Association, Sindh, and Dr Nusrat Riaz Awan, Founder-President, Danishgah (Association for Retarded Children) also spoke on the occasion.
They said that this exhibition presents not only Japanese tradition but creative Kokeshi as well as other crafted wooden toys to show how wood-working techniques using the lathe had been transmitted and nourished.
The show titled 'The World of Kokeshi Dolls' remains open for general public from February 19 to 21 from 10 am to 5 pm daily.