Press Release - The Dolls of Japan: Shapes of Prayer, Embodiments of Love

On Wednesday, 12 July 2017, the Japan Foundation international travelling exhibition “The Dolls of Japan: Shapes of Prayer, Embodiments of Love” will open at the Instituto Cervantes Dublin.
 
Dolls have been part of everyday life in Japan since ancient times, and are a reflection of Japanese life, culture and customs. They are appreciated not only as children’s toys, but also as works of art to be displayed and admired.
 
This exhibition includes a collection of 70 representative dolls of Japan, including Hina ningyo (Girls’ Festival dolls) and Gogatsu ningyo (Boys’ Day dolls), which have their origins in ancient customs; dolls connected to traditional performing arts such as noh, bunraku and kabuki; regional dolls from throughout Japan; and “creative dolls” produced by contemporary craftspeople.
 
Mrs Mari Miyoshi, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland, said, “I am very happy to welcome this exhibition to Dublin. As part of the varied programme of events commemorating this year’s 60th anniversary of Japan-Ireland diplomatic relations, it will offer an insight into Japan’s rich artistic culture and history. I hope visitors will enjoy the chance to see these beautiful examples of traditional craftsmanship still so popular in Japan today.”
 
Dr Francisco Oda Ángel, Director of the Instituto Cervantes Dublin, commented: “Our institute is pleased to open its doors to the wealth of Japanese culture; we wish all the visitors feel welcome in our cultural space.”
 
The exhibition is open to the public from 14.00 to 19.00, Monday to Thursday, and 10.00 to 14.00 on Friday, from Thursday, 13 July to Wednesday, 9 August and admission is free. It is co-organised by the Embassy of Japan in Ireland and the Instituto Cervantes Dublin.
 
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(Contact)
 
Press and Cultural Affairs Section, Embassy of Japan in Ireland
Tel: 01 - 202 8305, e-mail: cultural@ir.mofa.go.jp, website:  https://www.ie.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_en/index.html

Instituto Cervantes Dublin
Tel: 01 - 631 1534, e-mail: cultdub@cervantes.es, website: http://dublin.cervantes.es/en/default.shtm