 | Did you ever wonder how kids played centuries several centuries ago in Japan, a world that is so different from Europe or USA ? But it seems that toys are the same, regardless of the country, so the exhibition opened on the 3rd of July 2007 at the Tokyo National Museum in Japan says just that. |
The curators have selected several ancient Japanese toys and games, ranging from crystal marbles (which might have been really popular then, yet somewhat expenssive), a shell-matching game from the Heian period (794 - 1192), a small collection of playing cards and board games (of Chinese inspiration) from the Edo period (1603 - 1868). The latter exhibits were also popular among grownups, and even if the noble samurais didn't aprove of them, they were a great attraction for commoners.
The best items are without a doubt the few metal animal figures, mainly dragons and snakes, which are articulate, being made out of several small, delicate flexible segments, showing the care with which ancient Japanese toymakers worked. The toymakers at that time were really armor-makers and metal workers, who made toys in their spare time or as prestigious and expensive commisions. For this kind of toys weren't just for anyone, only for the children of the nobles, who could afford the prices. Perfectlly kept, due to the high quality of the materials used and the craftsmanship, these toys are nowadays fascinating for their beauty and age, but also because they resemble so much modern toys.
The visitors also have the chance of playing with several reproductions made after the models exhibited.
Photo : tnm.go.jp
2007-07-04
