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stands proudly surveying a 240 strong
collection of dolls he has not seen for ten
years. Each of them was bespoke made
for the Japanese Foundation to display
in over 50 countries worldwide. Having
been brought from Thailand where they
have spent the last decade, they are set
to be showcased in Hanoi once Aoki, a
64 year old craftsman and executive sec-
retary of 300 year-old doll making com-
pany Yoshitoku Co., Ltd. in Japan, has
made certain they are all fit for display.
His attention to every little detail is
meticulous, whether it be re-working
their kimonos, or brushing their hair
with a little comb. “I am so glad to see
them all so healthy,” he says. “They
were rather sad at first, but now they
are getting better because of the atten-
tion and care from viewers.”
The collection of dolls includes
most of the existing forms, with the
exception of just a few very rare exam-
ples. Looking at them is like seeing an
ancient Japanese society and culture in
miniature: a stern general; little boys
and little girls playing traditional folk
games; women in kimonos with New
Year’s decorations, or applying make-
up; and dolls depicting characters from
traditional Japanese performing arts.
Most of the dolls in the collection
are Edo-Kimekomi dolls made from pa-
per and wood. They are believed to have
the power to drive away ghosts. Viewers
can see innocence, charm, grace, joy,
shyness and strength in the expressions
of the dolls, which are all unique.
“Talk to them,” Aoki encourages
viewers, “they all have souls and can
ART SCENE
In Japan, dolls are more than deco-
rative items or play things for chil-
dren - they act as spiritual guard-
ians who accompany and protect
their owner’s souls from devils and
ghosts. A specially commissioned
collection of these dolls is set to be
displayed in Hanoi, but not until
Aoki Marasu
has painstakingly
restored them. By
Hong Nhung
THE LAST
craftsmen
Mr. Aoki Marasu