Charming Kawaii Styles Through the Ages

Written by Torikai Shin-ichi

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Earthenware from the distant past, Buddhist statues, e-maki picture scrolls, ukiyoe woodblock prints, cute dolls... For thousands of years the ancestors of today's Japanese created fine art forms, some bold and rugged, many adorably small in size or imbued with human warmth.

"A bird giving food to its chick, a child picking up something to show an adult — these simple gestures are truly delightful," wrote Sei Shonagon, a highly cultured lady at the Imperial Court of 10th century Japan. This quotation comes from her Makura no Soshi ("The Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon"). And she was right — the innocence of small creatures and youth have a beauty of their own.

More and more, people in 21st century Japan are showing a fondness for things that are kawaii (delightful, sweet, cute). Perhaps this is because they yearn for a return to the days of sweet innocence and pure delight.

The charm of animals

Military helmet, Edo period (1603-1867). Cute rabbit ears on a manly piece of armor!

Part of a private collection.
Photo collaboration: Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Cultural History

Imari-yaki pottery plate decorated with birds. One of a set of five; made between 1640 and 1669. Diameter 15.8.cm.

Property of MOA Museum of Art

Kyo-yaki earthenware incense container shaped like a mandarin duck. Made by Ninsei in the 17th century. Height 5.2.cm.

Property of Fujita Museum of Art

Earthenware wild boar thought to have been made 3,000 to 4,000 years ago. Probably used during hunting festivals and ceremonies.

Property of Hirosaki Municipal Museum

Scene from Utsubozaru ("The Monkey Skin Quiver"), an old kyogen drama. Child actor Nomura Yuki plays the cute monkey, and does not miss a beat with the monkey trainer (played by Nomura Mansai, his father in real life). 2006 production.

Photo collaboration: National Noh Theater

Part of a picture scroll from the 12th or 13th century, Choju Jinbutsu Gigakan ("Birds and Animals Play Human"). The funny illustrations of human-like frogs, rabbits and other animals could be considered forerunners of today's manga and animé artwork.

Property of Kozan-ji Temple
Photo collaboration: Tokyo National Museum