Aichi automata: The craftsmanship of karakuri ningyō

Discover the craftsmanship of karakuri ningyō, Japan's intricate mechanical puppets, with a talk and demonstration featuring ninth-generation karakuri master Tamaya Shōbei IX from Inuyama in Aichi Prefecture.

Today, Aichi is known as one of Japan's leading centres of manufacturing and cutting-edge technology, producing around 25 percent of Japan's robots and home to some of the country's largest automotive companies. This event traces the roots of these precision manufacturing technologies back to the karakuri ningyō developed during the Edo period (1603–1868).

Karakuri ningyō are highly intricate wooden mechanical dolls, or automata, powered without electricity through sophisticated systems of springs, gears, pulleys, levers and cogs.

They include zashiki karakuri, originally designed to entertain members of the samurai elite; butai karakuri used in theatre; and larger dashi karakuri mounted on elaborate festival floats. Aichi remains a major centre of karakuri culture, hosting around 70 percent of Japan's karakuri float festivals.

The event explores the historical development of karakuri ningyō and how the craft continues to be preserved today in Aichi by Tamaya Shōbei IX, whose family lineage spans nearly 300 years.

During the event, Tamaya Shōbei IX showcases his models including Chahakobi Ningyō, a tea-serving doll, and Yumihiki Dōji, an archer doll capable of firing arrows at a target.

Guests have the rare opportunity to observe the ingenious mechanisms usually concealed within the puppets and gain insight into how they operate. The event concludes with a Q&A session.

Following the event, guests can explore interactive booths until 20:30, with opportunities to view the karakuri puppets up close, handle selected interactive puppets directly, and sample Osu cider vinegar from Aichi while learning about Aichi's fermented food culture. Please note that access to the interactive booths will be available on a first come, first served basis, and guests may not have time to experience every activity.

This talk forms part of a wider programme including family workshops to make your own simple karakuri doll and an afternoon of drop-in demonstrations on Saturday 27 June.

About the speaker

Tamaya Shōbei IX

Tamaya Shōbei IX is a master craftsman of karakuri ningyō (Japanese mechanical puppets) from Inuyama in Aichi Prefecture. He inherited the Tamaya Shōbei name in 1995 and is dedicated to preserving and advancing the craft of karakuri through restoration, research and creating his own models. In 1998, he completed a full reconstruction of the famed Yumihiki Dōji (Archer doll), originally created by inventor Tanaka Hisashige. His Chahakobi Ningyō (Tea-serving doll) has been donated to both the National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo and the British Museum in London. He has received numerous honours for his craftsmanship and cultural contributions.

Find out more info or book your tickets on https://www.japanhouselondon.uk/whats-on/aichi-automata-the-craftsmanship-of-karakuri-ningyo/