RECALL: Geisha Doll playing her Shamisen
In October 1994 I travelled to Japan to stay with a friend who was living in Tokyo, on a posting with the New Zealand Embassy. By day she went to work, while I explored around the city. At weekends we travelled further afield together to explore more country areas. During the last few days of my stay, I took a half-day tour around a few of Tokyo's art and craft places. Of particular interest to me was Ningyocho area - the doll town. We visited several doll-making factories and saw how the magnificent dolls were created. I was enchanted by them and so, at one of the establishments I decided to buy a doll. I watched as they carefully boxed her, tied string around my package and attached a little plastic handle for me to carry it. I took her back on the bus and eventually to my friend's apartment. What hadn't occurred to me, was how I was going to get her home to New Zealand when she was so delicate. In the end I decided to sit the package on my lap in the plane, because I especially didn't want any breakage. So that's what happened. Somehow I managed a 16 hour flight with the box on my knees and here she is today, 28 years later, a much loved and important display in our lounge room.
RECALL: Geisha Doll playing her Shamisen
In October 1994 I travelled to Japan to stay with a friend who was living in Tokyo, on a posting with the New Zealand Embassy. By day she went to work, while I explored around the city. At weekends we travelled further afield together to explore more country areas. During the last few days of my stay, I took a half-day tour around a few of Tokyo's art and craft places. Of particular interest to me was Ningyocho area - the doll town. We visited several doll-making factories and saw how the magnificent dolls were created. I was enchanted by them and so, at one of the establishments I decided to buy a doll. I watched as they carefully boxed her, tied string around my package and attached a little plastic handle for me to carry it. I took her back on the bus and eventually to my friend's apartment. What hadn't occurred to me, was how I was going to get her home to New Zealand when she was so delicate. In the end I decided to sit the package on my lap in the plane, because I especially didn't want any breakage. So that's what happened. Somehow I managed a 16 hour flight with the box on my knees and here she is today, 28 years later, a much loved and important display in our lounge room.