Ningyo

Japanese dolls (ninyo) have played an important cultural role in Japanese society since its earliest stages of development, as talismanic figures, centrepieces in elaborate festivals, medical study tools, theatre distractions, decorative objects, and avidly collected art forms. This first comprehensive book on antique Japanese dolls published in English focuses on the five main categories of dolls - gosho palace dolls, hina girls' day dolls, musha boys' day dolls, isho costume dolls, and theatrical dolls.