Geisha Dolls
Geisha came from two words “gei” which means an art and “sha” which means a person or a doer. The most literal translation of geisha into English would be an artist or performing artist. Another name for geisha used in Japan is geiko that is usually used to refer to a geisha from Western Japan, including Kyoto.
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Geisha dolls were created in the image of one of the main icons of traditional Japanese culture. A Geisha is a woman artist proficient in dance, music, and conversing with the audience. The Geisha dolls have been meticulously made to capture the exotic appearance of the real Geishas, combined with innocence and sophistication. The dolls represent the sensuality coupled with modesty that a Japanese woman reflects.
The faces of the Geisha dolls mimic the makeup used by the real girls. The doll is clothed in a multi-hued kimono with a patterned obi. On the feet, the doll may wear a flat-soled sandal or a clog. Some Geishas wear their hair down, while others style their hair in the form of a Chignon which involves the hair being raised into a bun and held in place with hairpins. Almost every intricate detail of the real Geisha is captured in the doll, which could be a well collector’s item.
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Like any other product, there are quality geisha dolls and awful geisha dolls. The bad dolls are poorly made, likely to break, have bad details and sometimes just look plain terrible. But here in AsianIdeas.com, our dolls are the best geisha dolls that you could ever found.
Each one of geisha dolls are handcrafted so each one is unique. The kimonos are made with real silk fabric. The faces of Geisha dolls are made with ceramic and have a wide variety of facial expressions. No two geisha dolls we sell are the same. These pretty dolls will help your house look stunning which is truly one of a kind.
Japanese Dolls
Japanese Dolls are renowned in the world and are an integral aspect in the culture of Japan. It is known by the name ningyō in Japan, which literally means human shape.
There are various types of Japanese dolls, some representing children and babies, some the imperial court, warriors and heroes, fairy-tale characters, gods and rarely demons, and also people of the daily life of Japanese cities. Many have a long tradition and are still made today, for household shrines, for formal gift-giving, or for festival celebrations such as Hinamatsuri, the doll festival, or Kodomo no Hi, Children's Day.
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Dolls have been manufactured since the early days of Japanese culture. Today, there exist various types of Japanese dolls. The following are a description of only a few of the most famous ones.
Daruma dolls are spherical dolls with a red painted body and a white face, but without pupils. They represent the Zen monk Bodhidharma. It is a custom to paint one of the doll's pupils in the beginning of the New Year, make a wish and paint in the second pupil if the wish came true. Takasaki's Shorinzan Daruma Temple is the birthplace of daruma dolls which is considered as good luck charms.
Kokeshi dolls are simply shaped, wooden dolls from Northern Honshu. It originated as souvenirs distributed at hot spring resorts during the Edo Period. Kokeshi dolls have neither arms nor legs but have a large head and a cylindrical body.
Hakata dolls are clay dolls manufactured in Fukuoka Prefecture on Kyushu. They are worked out in great detail and painted beautifully.
Various dolls are used during festivals. Among them are hina dolls which are displayed during the girl's festival. Samurai dolls are displayed during the boy's festival. Bunraku is a traditional Japanese puppet theater.
[4]Japanese Geisha Dolls
Japanese Geisha dolls are marvelous addition to any Asian inspired interior design. The primary appeal of geisha dolls in oriental decor is the combination of an extravagantly designed kimono, mystical makeup, elaborate hairstyles and wide range of facial expressions ranging from joyous to solemn.
[5]Here at AsianIdeas.com, we carry a magnificent line of ceramic Japanese geisha dolls. Geishas are attractive Japanese women who entertain through a variety of means, such as dancing, singing, conversation and other talents.
Each of our
Japanese geisha dolls is handcrafted down to the finest detail and no two are exactly alike. The costume of each Japanese geisha doll is exquisitely crafted from silk and looks like an authentic kimono worn by real Japanese geishas. All of our Japanese geisha dolls stand on a black wooden base for a high quality look. We have a large variety of Japanese geisha dolls in different styles, sizes and colors to choose from. These dolls make a superb gift and will serve as a beautiful decorative props anywhere they are placed.
Japanese Gift
The Japanese love to give gifts. This habit is not practiced only on special occasions, but it is widely accepted as giri - a social duty and obligation. Gift-giving is an accepted practice encountered everyday, from taking a little something to a neighbor to receiving an extra radish from the greengrocer. If you give someone a gift, you can be sure to receive one in return. And if you want a gift, you must give one first.
For the Japanese, gift-giving is a token of appreciation, and at its worst, a competition. When you return a gift, yours must be better and more expensive. In return, the gift you will receive will be better and more expensive than the one you gave.
Although this may seem extreme to Americans, the notion of gift-giving is not alien to us. We all have given or received gifts. Japanese integrate it as part of their day to day life because gift-giving is such an important social aspect of Japanese life. It is important to be aware of some key factors. These pointers will guide you to know how and when to give and receive gifts.
· Devalue the gift you give. The important thing is to act and seem humble.
· Praise the gift you receive.
· Do not open the gift unless you are urged to do so. And when you do, you must take the utmost care in unwrapping it. After observing, praising, and thanking, make sure to rewrap the gift as if it had never been opened.
· Wrap all gifts attractively. Wrap anything and everything with a good quality paper along with bows and ribbons. Japanese gift-giving is an art and it should be treated as such.
· You should look out for the colors when choosing your ribbons.
Although Japanese gift-giving may seem a bit strange and too ritualistic, it is nevertheless a significant aspect of the Japanese societal culture.
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Here in AsianIdeas.com, we offer you great selections of
Japanese Gifts that you can choose from. It will make sure that anyone who receives these will embark happiness in their hearts that they can surely cherish a lifetime.
References:
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geisha#cite_note-77
2. http://popular.ebay.com/dolls-bears/geisha-doll.htm
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_traditional_dolls
4. http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2104.html
5. http://www.bikudo.com/product_search/details/44692/japanese_geisha_doll.html
6. http://zine375.eserver.org/zine1.html
