Talismans from Japanese
An exhibit of okiagari-koboshi dolls, which symbolize firmness and endurance, has opened in Kyiv
The doll okiagari-koboshi is an analog of Ukrainian tumbler toy Ivan. But whereas in our country it is a toy for children, for Japanese it has a symbolical meaning. Okiagari-koboshi is a lucky talisman, a symbol of firmness and endurance. There is a tradition to buy okiagari-koboshi dolls at the beginning of every year for every member of the family plus one more. Japanese consider that it brings luck and prosperity in the following year.
“The tradition of okiagari-koboshi comes from the Fukushima prefecture, where I come from,” first secretary on the issues of culture and information of Japan’s Embassy in Ukraine Hideyuki Tanji said, “that is why for me it is not just a toy, but a part of the culture of my homeland. This is a very special kind of toy. No matter how hard we try to put it on the table, it always returns to the upright position, and this is the deep meaning of okiagari-koboshi. No matter how hard life beats us, we must rise every time and continue our way.”
The exhibit of okiagari-koboshi will operate till October 25 in the premises of the library of Polytechnic University. The vernissage is functioning within the framework of the charity project by Japanese designer Kenzo Takada. For creation of the exposition the French artists and Japanese manga artists painted symbolical pictures on the white base of traditional okiagari-koboshi toy created by local masters from Aizu region, Fukushima Prefecture. This action is held to support and as soon as possible restore Japan after the accident at Fukushima Power Plant in 2011. Besides, Japanese manga artists painted okiagari-koboshi for the exhibit in Ukraine and sent messages with warm words of support to Ukrainians.
“Such events are a symbol of mutual penetration of cultures, educational and scientific spheres of Japan and Ukraine. This is a guaranty of future cooperation between our states for the sake of preserving peace on earth, for development based on the higher values of the world civilization,” underlined the pro-rector on scientific-pedagogical work of the National technical University of Ukraine “Kyiv Polytechnic University” Petro KYRYCHOK.
Special guest of the exhibit, opera singer Olena Hrebeniuk was impressed by the beauty of the dolls and was even ready to paint several ones: “In a toy the most important thing is the tradition which carries the symbols of the people. We have no fewer symbols in our country. I am glad that Japan and Ukraine are traditionally helping one another and preserve the cultural base of our lives.”
“I have never heard about these dolls,” student of Japanese language course Anastasia HLADKA shares her impressions, “Today was the first time I saw them and I want to study their history in more detail. These dolls are versatile and joyful. They combine modern and traditional motifs. It is pleasant that Ukrainians will have an opportunity to get to know this kind of art.”
“The Ukrainian-Japanese center frequently organizes exhibits which help us to get to know the culture of the Country of the Rising Sun. In particular, recently the exhibit of kimono was on display at Honchar Museum,” says Svitlana KHVOROSTIAN, coordinator of the projects of the Ukrainian-Japanese Center. “We have shown over 15 kimonos, as well as Japanese obi sashes. The visitors were surprised to see that the Japanese kimono sashes are very long, two meters or even longer. We showed how kimono should be put on, so that people understood how the sash should be tied. For it is not just wound round your waist, it is tied in a bow. We also presented kimono for weddings and official ceremonies. This was our first exhibit. We have gathered a great collection of kimonos and decided to show it. Besides, the traditional washi paper was on display at the exhibit and traditional Japanese dolls.”
