Whether you are curious about dolls or not, Jayant Sathe's doll exhibition might be an interesting event to drop by this week
Jayant Sathe of the organisation Creative Hands who has become synonymous with creating and developing Japanese Dolls is back with the doll exhibition in the city.
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The sixth edition of the exhibition will see an addition of new dolls such as those of actor Raj Kapoor, Maratha Mavala, a Maharashtrian bride and groom, a paratrooper doll and more. Other dolls include an 18-inch Japanese doll, one of a Japanese girl playing Kato (a Japanese instrument called Kato), dolls of a Japanese mother and child and an array of Japanese dolls (about 100 to 120) wearing bright kimonos
Some of the dolls on display at the exhibition
A mechanical engineer by education who ran a mechanical workshop for 30 years, 78-year-old Sathe retired from his business to pursue something he wanted to do since childhood. He says, “A few years ago, cheap imitations of Japanese dolls flooded the market. Having learnt the art of making the dolls, I knew the essence was missing. So I recalled the knowledge of the art which he had learnt 25 years ago and decided to start manufacturing Japanese dolls.”
Dolls made by him are 95% similar to original Japanese dolls and are called Show Dolls — Dolls which can be displayed in a showcase. “The costumes are very elaborate as ornaments are not a part of the Japanese culture. Instead, they emphasise on hairdo, and this is exactly what the dolls flaunt too. Every element except the cloth used for the kimonos has been manufactured at Creative Hands workshop,” explains Sathe.
In spite of not being an artist, his immense passion and love for handicrafts, meticulous efforts and a perfectionist approach has made it possible for him to learn the art of Japanese doll-making. It is a very intricate form and requires patience and perseverance.
Also on display will be craft kits. The range starts from kits for children aged three years.
Till: May 21, 10 am to 9 pm
At: Balgandharva Kaladalan, JM Road.