Unique collection of Japanese toys heading to Durham

The incredible collection includes a wide variety of toys and material relating to Shinto such as kokeshi dolls, hanafuda cards, clay figurines by Tokyo maker Matsumoto Setsutaro, toys from the Dekoyashiki traditional craft district in Miharu, miniatures from Sukeroku in Asakusa, and vintage papier mâché toys from the southern island of Okinawa. 

Jane Irisa, who is making the donation to the Oriental Museum, developed the collection of over 250 traditional Japanese folk toys during visits to Japan in the 1980s. Over the years it was added to through gifts from other specialist collectors and through purchases made in the UK. 

Some of the collection has recently been on display in the exhibition, ‘Reflections of Japan in East Yorkshire’ at Beverley Art Gallery, East Yorkshire – which was part of the Japan Season of Culture in the UK, 2021/2. 

The entire collection, along with supporting documentation, books and pictures, will be transferred to the Oriental Museum. The museum plans to incorporate a number of the objects into the permanent displays so they can be enjoyed by visitors for years to come. The collection will also be available for study and will be used to support teaching.   

For a sneak preview of the collection heading to Durham, you can view a video of the exhibition at Beverley Art Gallery and the objects in use: Traditional Japanese toys from Jane Irisa's collection - see the toys in action!