The doll behind the dolls inside the dolls
Published: 09 October, 2009, 17:13
"Kokeshi" doll
A Japanese photographer and poet has donated 15 one-of-a-kind “Kokeshi” dolls, created by modern Japanese craftsmen, to Moscow’s State Historical Museum on Red Square.
The donator, Genqui Numata, believes that Russia’s trademark “Matryoshka” dolls were born from “Kokeshi”.
Numata is the author of numerous articles dedicated to “Matryoshkas”. According to him, Japan’s traditional wooden dolls – “Kokeshi” – symbolize happiness.
First created several hundred years ago, many believe they could have served as a role model for creators of the famous “Matryoshka”.
Meanwhile, director of the State Historical Museum, Aleksander Shkursko, told “Kultura” Channel that “when just looking at traditional Japanese dolls, one can’t help thinking of the succession of cultures. ‘Kokeshis’ and ‘Matryoshkas’ indeed look alike.”
08.10.2009, 17:39
Pioneers declare war against piracyA copy of the much-talked about Russian-Japanese-Canadian anime “First Squad” has been leaked on to the Internet. The film, about Soviet pioneer-superheroes, is due for release on October 15. |
11.10.2009, 16:25
Russia to get its first fashion museumThe history of Russian fashion is to be unveiled as the brand new Fashion Museum is being prepared for opening in 2010, as part of the All-Russian Museum of Decorative and Applied Arts. |
