Japanese antique dolls.

XVII, 172 S. Umschlag leicht berieben, sonst gutes Exemplar. - In Japan dolls are the ultimate showpiece for the traditional crafts-master woodworkers, weavers, lacquer artists, painters, and metalworkers all demonstrate their genius in these remarkable works of art. Exhibited in glass cases or brought out from storage once a year during the Boys' Day festival or hina festival, these sophisticated art objects seem designed to take the breath away, to entrance and bewitch with their beauty, to provoke the envy of those who own none, in short to be the "playthings" of adults more than of children. An array of striking color plates illustrates every major variety of doll-from the first talismanic paper dolls, which were invested with the power to absorb evil influences, and the primitive wooden kokeshi dolls, little more than a cylinder with a sphere for a head, up to the complex mechanical dolls powered by whalebone to serve tea or bow and the exquisite sets portraying the imperial household and their possessions-ox carts, folding screens, lacquer dishes, and myriad other accessories-crafted in miniature. Detailed commentaries on the plates point out the materials and techniques used in their construction and provide hints on dating and identification. The enlightening text by two longtime collectors and the colorful and moving photographs together serve to open up to the West that fascinating world of dolls from Japan-known for centuries past as the Land of Dolls, a fond reference to the treasure-trove of festival, classic, play, and clay dolls created there. Open these pages and let the brave bristling warriors, empresses in their finery, graceful Noh dancers, jolly gods of good luck, and breathtaking Kyoto beauties speak for themselves.