Karakuri ningyo

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Tea-serving karakuri, with mechanism, 19th century. Tokyo National Science Museum.

Karakuri ningyo are mechanized puppets or automata from Japan from the 18th century to 19th century. The word 'Karakuri' means a "mechanical device to tease, trick, or take a person by surprise". It implies hidden magic, or an element of mystery. In Japanese ningyō is written as two separate characters, meaning person and shape. It may be translated as puppet, but also by doll or effigy. ^[1]

Three main types of Karakuri exist: Butai Karakuri were used in theatre. Zashiki Karakuri were small and were played with in rooms. Dashi Karakuri were used in religious festivals. Traditionally they appeared in religious festivals. The puppets were used to perform reenactments of traditional myths and legends. The dolls' gestures provided a form of entertainment.

They influenced the Noh, Kabuki and Bunraku theatre. During the Edo period, Japan was closed to the rest of the world. However, despite its voluntary isolation, Japan adapted and transformed the Western automatons, which were fascinating Descartes' world, giving him the incentive for his mechanist theories of organisms, as well as Frederick the Great, who loved playing with automatons and miniature wargames.