Ningyô: The Art of the Japanese Doll by Alan Scott Pate and Lynton Gardiner

Offered is a hardcover book featuring over 250 unique photographs as well as extensive commentary and background history. Japanese dolls (ningyô) have played an important role in Japanese art and culture since its earliest stages of development, as talismanic figures, centerpieces, elaborate festivals, medical study tools, theater distractions, decorative objects, and avidly collected art forms, as well as childhood playthings.  Ningyo: The Art of the Japanese Doll is the most comprehensive book on antique Japanese dolls and figurines published in English. The book focuses on the many types of Japanese dolls: gosho: palace dolls hina: Girl's Day dolls musha: warrior dolls for the Boy's Day Festival isho: fashion dolls The principal forms of the dolls and their history, stylistic development, cultural context, and economic imperatives are discussed against the backdrop of Edo-period society and popular culture. Beautifully detailed color photographs of ningyo drawn from private co