In Japan dolls have a rich history; they are a part of celebrating events such as the Boyfs Festival or the appropriately named Dollfs festival, and they appear in the ancient Tale of Genji, written a thousand years ago. Articulated dolls, whose joints can be moved freely, are also part of the Japanese doll making tradition, though the most famous of this type, and the best known internationally, are the Bisque Dolls, which became popular in nineteenth century Europe.
In the 1970fs, Simon Yotsuyafs revolutionary designs overturned the conventional conception of articulated dolls. The success of his exhibitions served as a trigger, and the production of articulated dolls in Japan grew in both quantity and quality to the present day, where Japanese doll-making leads the world.
These intensely realistic dolls go beyond the parameters of standard ecutenessf, embodying a slightly aberrant eroticism and dangerous beauty. This genre of dolls has managed in a short time to capture great interest, combining the traditional Japanese love of dolls with the unique sensuality of ukiyo-e paintings.
20 years ago Natsuo Shinohara saw an exhibition which her inspired to begin her career in doll-making. She met with great success, quickly receiving the New Artistfs award and may others since, she continues to work in both Japan and America.
It is often said that the face is the most vital part of a doll. Here, Shinoharafs exquisite workmanship shines as she never fails to capture subtleties in the expressions of her work, inviting the viewer to share the emotion of the dolls. Unlike some other artists, she eschews overt sexualization, attempting to capture the spirit of the young girl who must eventually mature; Shinohara, perhaps better than any other artist working today, conveys a sense of strength beneath the quiet expressions and beauty of her dolls.
