Dolls – The Cultural Code of a Nation

Dolls – The Cultural Code of a Nation: An Exclusive Interview

    Dolls are an essential part of cultural heritage, embodying the history, traditions, and artistry of different peoples. They reveal spirituality, social ideals, and aesthetic preferences of their time. In today’s world, where cultural interaction is becoming ever deeper, exploring such artifacts offers valuable insights into the connections between the past and the present.

    The magazine In Trend presents an exclusive interview with designer and toy history researcher Veronika Chekaliuk, who recently visited the unique Ningyo exhibition at the “Exchange” Museum. We discussed the significance of Japanese dolls, their craftsmanship, their ties to European traditions, and how they inspire contemporary artists.

Dolls as Cultural Mirrors: A Journey Through the Ningyo Exhibition at the “Exchange” Museum

    "As a designer and researcher of toy history, I, Veronika Chekaliuk, am always on the lookout for new sources of inspiration. Recently, I had the unique opportunity to visit the Ningyo exhibition at the ‘Exchange’ Museum. This exhibition opens a fascinating window into the world of Japanese doll culture, which resonates intriguingly with European traditions."

Japanese Ningyo: More Than Just Toys

    "Ningyo dolls are more than mere toys. They are symbols reflecting Japanese spirituality, traditions, and beauty," shares Veronika Chekaliuk. In Japanese, the word ningyo translates to “human figure.” These dolls play a significant role in Japanese culture, serving as amulets, status symbols, or even mediators between people and spirits. The exhibition features various types of dolls, including hina (for the Girls’ Day celebration), gosho (symbols of wealth and happiness), and bunraku (puppets used in traditional theater).

     "A special place in my heart is held by the Japanese Daruma doll, which I once received as a gift in Kyiv from Lyudmyla Rusyn. This doll became a symbol of strength and determination for me," says Veronika Chekaliuk. The Daruma is not just a piece of art but a true ritualistic amulet. It symbolizes perseverance and achieving goals. The tradition involves making a wish with the Daruma. When you receive the doll, one of its eyes remains unfilled. You color in one eye while making a wish, leaving the other blank until the goal is achieved. When the wish is fulfilled, you fill in the second eye, completing the ritual. This ritual serves as a reminder of the importance of persistence and self-belief.

     Reflecting on the craftsmanship of Japanese artisans, Veronika notes: "I couldn’t help but notice parallels with the European tradition of doll-making and Ukrainian motankas. In the 18th and 19th centuries, dolls in Europe were also more than just toys. They served as educational tools, decorative items, and even fashion mannequins to showcase trends, as well as protective amulets." The resemblance between Japanese hina dolls and European porcelain dolls was particularly striking. Both cultures devoted immense attention to detail, using dolls to express social status and ideals of beauty.

     This exhibition reminds us that dolls have always been more than objects of play. They are mirrors of their time, culture, and human aspirations. Japanese dolls reflect a delicate connection to nature and the spiritual world, while European dolls embody the pursuit of aesthetic harmony and social significance. As Veronika Chekaliuk concludes: "Dolls are not just works of art or cultural artifacts but bridges between generations, continents, and ideas. They inspire and remind us of the importance of tradition and creativity."

    The Ningyo exhibition at the “Exchange” Museum was a source of profound inspiration and discovery for me as a designer and researcher of toy history.

Photos courtesy of Veronika Chekaliuk