Fukuoka Things to Do

Dolls depicting Kabuki scene.
Kabuki is one of Japan's traditional theatrical arts. Its inception goes back to the latter part of the 16th century and, with extensive and continuous evolution, it has now been perfected into a state of classical refinement. Though not as flourishing as it once was, the Kabuki theater retains a wide popularity among the people, and is in fact drawing quite large audiences even now.

The name Hakata dolls takes its origin from testimonials that were given to makers of Hakata unglazed dolls in an exhibition held in Osaka in 1890. The testimonials should have read 'Hakata unglazed doll', but the word 'unglazed' was mistakenly left out.

Hakata dolls, made by giving coloring to unglazed dolls, are characterized by their repose, sensuous beauty, and carefully carved shapes. Hakata dolls are said to be representative of dolls making in Japan. Take note of the details in these dolls if you've a chance to see some of the exhibitions. I was lucky enough to see a display of the very BEST Hakata dolls in Japan at an exhibition in Tokyo Tobu Departmental store. My only regret is that I was unable to make an order (I was told it'll take a few months for delivery! Yep, the order was that long!) with the artist. May be next time.

Noh is a classical Japanese performance form which combines elements of dance, drama, music and poetry into one highly aesthetic stage art. Largely based in the cities of Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, it is performed throughout the country by professional artists, mainly men, who have passed down the art among family members for numerous generations. There is also a wide following of both male and female amateurs who practice and perform its chant, dance, and instruments.

Pictured here is Hakata-ningyo depicting character from Noh wearing the typical Noh mask.

Hakata dollmakers, while they produce ningyo of all types (gosho, geisha and kabuki subjects) have a unique specialty: pottery figures representing the various occupations and stages of life in the most individual and detailed manner. More recently they have focused on children and women in a romantic, more abstract style.

The heads & bodies are made of a white chalk-like powder of pulverized seashells, also used in traditional Japanese painting. It is combined with a heated natural glue & the mixture is poured into molds. Once it hardens, the molds are removed & the parts are polished with soft cloths. Then, the eyes, mouth & other features are individually incised with a chisel.

The richness of expression, innocent gaze, natural-looking hair & eyes & the refinement of the clothing are some of the attractions of these dolls. The maker's unique vision makes them a collector's items.

Kyoto dolls are very famous not only in Japan but in foreign countries too. It has been a common practice for Japanese businessmen to present them as gifts to their foreign counterparts. These are mainly ornamental dolls dressed in kimono & enclosed in glass casings.
Usually priced at US$200-US$1000+, the same dolls are normally worth half the price if bought in Japan.