Yuki Atae – Japanese Doll Maker
Yuki Atae is a Japanese doll maker famous for his hauntingly gorgeous dolls and figures. Born in 1937 in Kanagawa Prefecture Atae has revitalised the art of doll making in Japan.
Traditionally Japanese dolls are given as gifts, and are also used to celebrate important events in a childs life, such as Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival or Childrens Day) which is a public holiday on March 3rd, and Boys Day on April 5th, otherwise known as Tango no Sokko or Childrens Day. During Hina Matsuri, a diarama of dolls representing the royal court is set up in the best room of the house. Depending on the status and wealth of the family, these diaramas can be quite splendid affairs.
Yuki Atae’s figures are quite a departure from this. His is a more whimsical, nostalgic vision. To quote from a Japan Times article this morning:
Many of his dolls are modeled on Japanese children from the early Showa Era, which started in 1926, and the preceding 14-year Taisho Era, when Atae says, people were materially poor but spiritually rich.
The dolls, mostly dressed in traditional kimono, are exhibited in various scenes, including a girl napping by a “kotatsu” heater table, boys waiting for “mochi” rice cakes to be cooked on a brazier and a girl carrying a sleeping baby on her back.
“In the past, many kids wore dirty clothes and were snotty-nosed, but they had pure and shining eyes full of hope,” he said, adding that he wants to preserve in the shape of his dolls something that has been lost with time.
His dolls have been exhibited overseas in the Louvre in Paris, as well as in New York and used in films and television programs. There is an exhibition of Yuki Atae’s work currently touring Japan until January 2008.
Read more about the history of Japanese Dolls at wikipedia or The Japan Times article “Doll maker revives bygone, simpler, spiritually rich Japan.” There is a wikipedia page about Yuki Atae, but it is in Japanese.
13 Comments, Comment or Ping
Pauline Rodgers
I am looking for a book written by Yuki Atae on making a basic doll. I do not know the title or if it is still in print. Can you help?
Thank you pauline
Jun 1st, 2008
simon
I think maybe you mean this book: 人形師 与勇è¼ã®è‚–åƒ (大型本) .
Jun 2nd, 2008
Pauline Rodgers
I have now found this book from a wonderful site. info@japanese-book.com
Please check out this store. Highly reccomended.Great customer service.
Thank you for all your help and assistance in finding this book.
Jul 3rd, 2008
Lucretia Tutt
I have a doll in a glass case that plays music. I am trying to find out the value of this doll. Tried to have the doll makers name translated but he could not tell me in english. The wooden piece in the case has the japenese writing and he told me they mean lucky great person sunshine or bright.If I send a picure of the doll to you can you tell me the value?
Sep 9th, 2008
simon
I am probably not the best person to ask about this. This person might be able to help you:
Sep 16th, 2008
Kera Hildebradt
Oh…she’s so adorable….
Mar 16th, 2010
antoniou dimitrios
hallo i am mr antoniou dimitrios fro athens pindou 27 moshato pireaus greece……..i want please to inform me for how make hina doll i want to find poulownia pouder and cloue and if now any books for make this doll
also company to find this pouder alsow any school in europe oe japan for lesson by post i am student of fine art school athens…i make doll by rezin….but i love all japanese art doll please send me any inform for teacher in kyoto or any japan…..please send me prospect,,,,,,,,,in my adress antoniou dimitrios pindou 27 moshato piraeus greece….best regards dimitrios
Aug 14th, 2010
Anna Manousopoulou
Thank you.Your work is the best i saw.
Sep 13th, 2010
Anna Manousopoulou
i would wish to meet you one day.I like your philoshophy about dolls and ofcourse i imagine about life.
Sep 13th, 2010
Fareed
I live in Pakistan. I’m am very very much inspired by Japanese dolls. I want to learn doll making. Is there any way to lean online doll making.
Awaiting your reply.
Regards
Fareed
Oct 1st, 2010
parn
Dear Atae.
I was at your exhibitions in Mutsuya, Ginza last week. It’s so impressive to see your work. My friends and I really really love your art. I just want to tell you how appreciate we have and please let us know if you have another exhibitions or if you come to Thailand.
Parn
Oct 9th, 2010
Mya
HI THERE,
I am looking to get the contact with Yuki Atae.
Please help me to get the contact address with him.
Thank you .
Regards,
Mya
Apr 24th, 2011
dimitrios
hallo i am mr dimitrios from athens i love japan doll hina doll can helpme for any books or teacher by post to now how make this techniks with poulownia pouder step by step i am student fine art school athens so i now make the sculpture and mold but i want all the techniks for poulownia how mix and what glue mix and where find this material i find athens gofun for the face please helpme any information lesson school book anything to make this lovly doll best regards dimitrios athens greece..
May 31st, 2011
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