Traditional Japanese Mechanical Dolls Demonstrated at Japan House London

Traditional Japanese mechanical puppets known as karakuri ningyo were demonstrated at Japan House London on Friday. The event featured a performance by 72-year-old craftsman Tamaya Shobei IX, who also explained the historical background of the art form. Karakuri ningyo are wooden automata powered without electricity.

They became popular in Japan during the Edo Period from 1603 to 1867. One type is operated by a puppeteer and creates lifelike expressions through delicate movements of its limbs and facial features. Tamaya, whose real name is Shoji Takashina, produces the dolls in Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture.

During the demonstration he presented “Zashiki Karakuri,” in which a clockwork doll carries a teacup, and “Dashi Karakuri,” which features the skillful manipulation of several internal threads. Audience members asked many questions about the dolls’ materials and mechanisms.

“Technological expertise was concentrated in Aichi under the patronage of the samurai class in the past, leading to the region’s modern spirit of manufacturing,” Tamaya said.