07 July,2010 07:06 AM IST | | Fiona Fernandez
At a talk in the city today, Brazilian Consul General Fausto Godoy will reveal the magical symbolic world of Ningyos Japanese dolls that kids don't play with. Adults gift them for beauty, valour and good health
These days, Brazilian Consul General Fausto Godoy is a busy man. He is wrapping up diplomatic duties before he readies to bid adieu to Mumbai at the end of his two-year term.
And before he says "adeus" (Portuguese, for goodbye) he will share the story behind a set of revered Japanese dolls at a talk organised by the 47 year-old Museum Society of Bombay at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Vastu Sanghralaya.
The Emperor's Court is an exhibit of 15 dolls, including the Emperor, Empress, two samurai, three maidens, five musicians and three noblemen Ningyos of a geisha or a beautiful maiden are gifted on March 3, celebrated as Girls Day, with wishes for beauty and a happy marriage
All eyes on Asia
An expert in Asian culture, Godoy has enjoyed plum postings in New Delhi, Beijing, Tokyo, Hanoi, Taipei and Islamabad. Having spent almost 14 years scouring Asia, he has managed to understand the realism of the region.
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"It's rare for a Brazilian to be so deeply connected with Asia," he admits. During one of his assignments in Tokyo, he spotted ningyos at an antique fair, and decided to learn more about their symbolic significance in Japanese culture.
Parents gift these tiny masterpieces on important occasions. March 3 is celebrated as Girls Day in Japan, and this is when Ningyos in the form of Geishas or beautiful ladies are presented, with best wishes for beauty and a happy marriage.
Likewise, on May 5 (Boy's Day) the Samurai (warrior) ningyos are gifted to young boys for valour and determination. Ningyos are also given during school exams.
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Once the occasion is over, the dolls are stored and re-exhibited the following year. Considered prized heirlooms, the dolls usually pass down through generations, except if the family undergoes terrible hardships. Unfortunate families generally discard their ningyos since they are then considered carriers of negativity.
The Emperor's Court is a group exhibit of 15 dolls that some traditional Japanese homes put on display. These include the Emperor, Empress, two Samurai, three maidens, five musicians and three noblemen. Together, they represent the Imperial Court.
Godoy says his job gives him the opportunity to pick up rare artefacts from across the world. Memorabilia finds its way from various countries into Godoy's suitcase before he hands it over to one of Sao Paulo's leading museums, rather than crowding his mantlepiece back home in Brazil.
Dolls from around the world
Russia: A Matryoshka doll, also called a Russian nesting doll or a Babushka doll, is a set of dolls of decreasing sizes that are placed one inside the other. "Matryoshka" is derived from the Russian female first name "Matryona" while "Babuskha" is Russian for grandmother. The tiniest doll is usually a baby. Themes include animal collections, portraits of famous politicians, musicians, and even popular movie stars.
Mexico: Corn plays an important role in Mexican culture. Every element of the cereal grain is used, from the silks to the fungus. It is traditional in Mexico to use both dyed and natural cornhusks for doll-making. Each cornhusk doll depicts a traditional Mexican costume. Dyed cornhusks are decorated with ribbons, flowers with keen attention to detail.
South Africa: Linga Koba dolls belong to the Ndebele tribe in Southern Africa. One of the smallest tribes in the region, the beadwork on these dolls is as detailed as the clothing of the women. During courtship, a suitor places a doll outside a young woman's home to indicate his intention to marry her. While she is preparing to marry, she is given a doll that she names and cares for, and her first child is later named after the doll.
Know your Ningyos
Ningyos in Japanese means "human form": nin stands for person, people and gyo is form, shape. Not meant for children to play with, these are usually exhibited on rare and special occasions. Certain ningyos like the Shi-Shi (auspicious demons) with red hair, are kept near a sick child's bed to absorb diseased vibes, while others are presented to families when a child is born, as a symbol of endowment.
One artisan creates the entire doll from start to finish. "The face is made from the white of oyster (powdered, polished) while the eyes are crafted from glass. Often the doll's hair is real. The body is made from powdered wood; the crown (in case of royalty) is made of crystals, and the clothing is embroidered," Godoy says.
Get your fix of Ningyos
Ningyos: The Human Form, illustrated talk by Fausto Godoy, H.E.
Ambassador, Consul General of Brazil by the Museum Society of Bombay at Seminar Hall, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, MG Road. Today, 6 pm onwards.
