Japanese Porcelain Doll Styles
Geisha porcelain dolls are typically found in traditional dress and makeup, wearing brightly colored silk kimonos, often with accessories like a traditional fan. Small child porcelain dolls can be found wearing short sets, or more traditional clothing. There are porcelain dolls representing every age, and time period of Japanese history. With the wide variety of Japanese porcelain dolls available, it is impossible to have one of every type. Many Japanese porcelain dolls are completed with real hair to authenticate their look, and provide for a more realistic appearance. The realistic appearance and the attention to detail in the crafting of the Japanese porcelain doll is a tribute to the people of Japan.
Japanese Geisha Porcelain Dolls
The ancient Geisha was known as a performer, an entertainer and was held in very high esteem. She traditionally received many years of training, sometimes beginning at birth. The Geisha porcelain doll is often found posed in a move from one of the traditional dances. Other Japanese porcelain Geisha dolls can be found seated or standing. She demonstrates the grace and beauty of ancient Geisha. The Japanese porcelain Geisha doll often comes with accessories such as a traditional fan, small musical instrument, or flowers to demonstrate the elegance and esteem of these women. The popularity of the Japanese porcelain Geisha doll can also be linked to her colorful dress. The clothing of the Japanese porcelain geisha doll is typically a silk kimono adorned with a floral or dragon print. Her hair and makeup are crafted to complete the look of the traditional Geisha.
Japanese Samurai Porcelain Dolls
The Japanese Samurai also are portrayed as porcelain dolls. This Japanese Samurai porcelain doll is as true to tradition as is the porcelain Geisha. He is dressed in a detailed silk costume, and may come with a range of accessories from a shield for personal protection, to a traditional samurai sword, to protect his family.
Friendship Dolls
In 1929, the United States sent over 12,000 blue eyed dolls to Japan in gesture of good will. These dolls were even sent with a special passport. Japan, in return, sent 58 hand-made Japanese porcelain dolls to the United States. These dolls became known as Friendship dolls. While some of the friendship dolls have been lost over the years, most still exist and can be found on display around the country. The Japanese porcelain doll is collected by adults and children, by boys and girls.
Displaying Japanese Porcelain Dolls
The wealthiest families only display their dolls on festival days. Children are not allowed to touch them, only to look because Japanese porcelain dolls are considered works of art, like a sculpture. Many attribute the Japanese porcelain doll with thoughts and feelings, almost a life of their own. The Japanese porcelain doll is best displayed in a glass case to protect her from dust, dirt, and grime. She needs to have a calm background, such as a piece of brown, black or tan cloth.
porcelain-dolls
The Japanese porcelain doll's clothing is very striking and colorful and will stand out to perfection with a calm background. Placing the Japanese porcelain doll on a background busy with other things will diminish the beauty of her traditional dress.
