Japan’s pose dolls, cherished relics of the country’s economic boom, embodying the dreams and aspirations of a generation
(ANN/THE JAPAN NEWS) – During the period of Japan’s rapid economic expansion from the 1950s through the 1970s, a wide array of items including dolls, accessories, pouches, and other diminutive objects were mass-produced to satisfy the burgeoning demand for material prosperity and the burgeoning consumer culture.
These items, emblematic of a period marked by a collective pursuit of affluence, continue to exude a timeless appeal that transcends the era of their creation.
They seem to encapsulate the dreams, aspirations, and the palpable excitement that permeated the lives of young girls of that epoch, serving as tangible manifestations of their innermost desires and fantasies.
Among these objects, the “pose dolls” stand out for their distinctive aesthetics and the nostalgia they evoke.
Characterised by their elongated, slender legs that elegantly extend beneath stylish minidresses, these dolls were a cultural phenomenon during the Showa era, specifically in the 30s and 40s (mid-1950s to mid-1960s).
Adorned with chic accessories such as pristine white gloves and sophisticated handbags, and wearing an expression of demure contentment complemented by a subtle smile, these dolls epitomize the idealized femininity of the time.
Available in variations of blond or brunette, their meticulously painted, sparkling eyes continue to captivate, reflecting the meticulous craftsmanship and the vibrant cultural milieu from which they emerged.
The enduring charm of these vintage dolls lies not only in their aesthetic appeal but also in their ability to serve as a window into the aspirations and societal values of a bygone era, making them cherished collectibles and a poignant reminder of Japan’s postwar journey towards modernity and affluence.
Ayumi Uyama, 54, a collector of goods produced during the Showa era and known for having one of Japan’s largest collections of pose dolls and French-style dolls, said, “They were made based on fashion magazines of the time and are overflowing with Japanese people’s yearning for foreign cultures.”
According to Uyama, they were often given as housewarming gifts or for childbirth celebration. They were often displayed in drawing rooms and on pianos as symbols of high status.
French-style dolls dressed in gorgeous ball gowns became immensely popular in the mid-1960s and onwards. The heads of these vintage dolls are often tilted slightly, with a coy smile. Even the posing of their fingertips exudes elegance.
“In those days, few Japanese people had been to places like the Palace of Versailles [in France]. I think these dolls represent the image of France that many longed for,” Uyama said.
She noted that aristocratic tastes were incorporated into Japanese lifestyles around the time when the dolls came into vogue, leading to the popularity of homes with white, decorative furniture and floral motifs.
Uyama has a vast collection of charming items which were everywhere during the Showa era. A box-shaped bag, favored by little girls for outings, included a mirror and was reminiscent of cosmetic bags used by their mothers at the time.
Her collection also features brightly colored combs, hair clips and beaded necklaces. These items, treasured by children of that era, would have them bouncing with joy.
“(These items) help us appreciate the timeless appeal of the designs. At the same time, they evoke memories. If you visit an antique market, you might find something that rekindles half-forgotten memories,” Uyama said.
Uyama’s collection includes everyday items, such as lunch boxes and pencil cases.
“Just by asking about the illustrations printed on lunch boxes from their childhood, you can identify the generation of the person you’re talking to,” Uyama said. “It’s fun to reminisce about them.”
Uyama is currently collaborating with a company for a project to create capsule toys that contain miniatures of everyday items from the Showa era.
“I want to share the charm of vintage goods by reviving things that have faded from our memories,” she said.
Ayumi Uyama
Born in 1969, she has published many books on dolls and everyday items from the Showa 30s to 50s (mid-1950s to mid-1970s). She is also engaged in producing retro goods while working as a doll artist.
