A collection of traditional Japanese dolls will be displayed an exhibition titled “NINGYŌ: Art and Beauty of Japanese Dolls” held at the HCM City Fine Arts  Museum from May 13-29.  Photo courtesy of Japan Foundation

HCM CITY –  A fortnight-long exhibition on traditional Japanese dolls is being organised by the Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Việt Nam in HCM City.

Titled “NINGYŌ: Art and Beauty of Japanese Dolls”, the exhibition aims to present a comprehensive introduction to Japanese doll culture, organisers said. NINGYŌ means “human shape” in Japanese.

It will feature 68 dolls divided into four depictions of Ningyo: one to pray for children’s growth; another as fine art;  yet another as folk art; and section showcasing the spread of Ningyo culture.

Katashiro, a paper doll used as a talisman to perform a certain form of self-purification, and Amagatsu, a guardian doll for newborns, considered archetypes of Japanese doll, will be on display.

Local dolls that reflect anecdotes from different regions of the country, and dress-up dolls in various scales that are highly favoured in Japan and the world today will also be part of the exhibition.

Organisers said the exhibition will celebrate the diversity of Japanese dolls and craftsmanship of Japanese craftspeople.

The event was held in Huế City last month and received warm welcome from local people.

The exhibition in HCM City will be held from May 13-29 at 97A Phó Đức Chính Street in District 1. — VNS