Josep Maria Joan i Rosa and the Museu del Joguet: and example of interest in the Japanese toys

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to approach the collection of traditional Japanese dolls (ningyō) and other toys at the Museu del Joguet in Cataluña (Figueras), studying their characteristics and typologies as well as the figure of their collector, Josep Maria Joan i Rosa.

We consider that this is an example of the presence of these Japanese pieces in our country, as well as the relationship that certain figures, collectors in this case, have established over time with Japan. As outcomes and contributions we want to establish a historical framework that tells us about the arrival of these dolls in our country and the interest aroused by them, which has led to various collections such as the Museu del Joguet. In this regard, we want to include an analysis of the present collection, focusing on the different Japanese objects belonging to the definition of ningyō and other toys that make it up. In this way we intend to carry out a study of the collection and thus highlight it in the context of collections of Japanese dolls and toys in Spain, always taking into account a much more general framework that speaks to us of collecting pieces of Japanese art in our country.