Most folks can remember a special doll or teddy bear from childhood that brought great joy and comfort in tough times. Since ancient times and in all parts of the world, dolls have been created for many reasons. To different people, dolls bring about different meanings. For some, dolls are the embodiment of spirits, or an object with magical powers, and to some, a mere plaything. Over in time, dolls have grown to be appreciated and displayed; such work of fine art is no longer confine to just a child's playmate. 

While dolls are found in all parts of the world, yet no place has a greater variety than Japan. Its unique doll-making traditions are very much a part of the country's culture. The history of dolls dates all the way back to nearly 24,000 years, while the origin of Japanese dolls begins at the start of the Jomon period, which was about 3,000 years BC. However, it was only from the Edo period onwards that dolls have taken on a wider meaning and purpose, and with that, many different types of dolls have been produced ever since!

The Japanese Gosho dolls represent happy looking baby boys with chubby milky-white skin and small facial features. Generally, they are portrayed in nude or semi-nude. There are also many that wear costumes depicting their culture aspects. They are most often found in Kabuki or Noh dramas. These dolls came from Kyoto during the 17th century. During that time, they were gifts from the Imperial household to their special guests, hence the name "Gosho", which means "from the Imperial Palace". Before the Meiji period (1868-1912), these dolls were known as white chrysanthemum (shira-kiku), white skin (shirajishi-ningyo) or large head (zudai). A Gosho is not used as a toy. Instead they were given as a token of luck, a wish for a safe journey home or a strong healthy son. The Gosho are often crafted from either clay, carved paulownia wood or composition materials, and is covered with a heavy coat of gofun (crushed oyster-shell paste). It is then burnished and painted to give it a brilliant white glossy finish. Characterizations include hai-hai or crawling dolls, gift dolls, good-luck dolls, and costumed or hinged dolls. These dolls are found riding the backs of turtles or dogs, carrying treasure, cranes and fish, or playing with a toy or on a drum. Best of all, the tiny facial features of the Gosho with its minimal design captures the essence of a child in full purity, innocence, vitality and enchantment.

Then there are the Hina dolls, which are traditionally displayed at Hina-matsuri (Doll's Festival) on March 3rd every year, which incidentally is Girls' Day. On this day, Japanese families celebrate this occasion to wish their daughters health and happiness. Simultaneously, they will display Hina dolls in their homes. Ceremonial by nature, these Hina dolls are not playthings; instead they are priceless heirlooms that are handed down from generations after generations. It is then carefully boxed and stored throughout the year until the festival where it will be brought out for display again. Made of wood, straw, glass insets for eyes, human or cotton-fiber hair, and gofun, the Hina dolls are often completed by their magnificent court costumes of silk and brocade. The costumes are often embroidered with gold couching and feature an assortment of accessories, which could include a sword, bow and arrows, lacquered hat, folding fan or a elaborate headdress. Usually, a set of Hina dolls comprises of 15 characters with all of them wearing ancient costumes of the Imperial court during the Heian period (794-1192). Based upon family traditions and the number/type of dolls in the collection, the dolls are arranged in descending order on a platform of steps that is covered with red fabric. 

They are placed in a manner where the Imperial couple graces the top step, the Emperor at the left of the Empress. On the following step are the right and left ministers, depicted by an old and young man. Then the three court ladies-in-waiting, five musicians and, finally, the footmen or guards. Accompanying this amazing set of dolls are miniature household items, furniture and musical instruments. There are miniature serving trays and banquet dishes, kimono racks, tatami mats, chests, mirror or sewing tansu, stools, hibachi, even dogs. The Hina dolls are one of the more popular Japanese dolls that are being sought after and passionately collected throughout the world. The charming variations of clothing, expression and characters make this doll a piece of exquisite craftsmanship. They are not only irresistible, but priceless as well.

(to be continued)
Compiled from web sources