In ancient Japan, sex dolls played a unique role in erotic rituals and cultural beliefs surrounding sexuality. One of the most famous examples is the concept of “shōzō” dolls, which were crafted for use in intimate rituals or as a means of promoting fertility. These dolls were believed to have symbolic power, representing fertility gods or spirits that could influence the outcome of human relationships, particularly in the context of marriage or procreation.
The tradition of using dolls in erotic rituals in Japan was often linked to Shintoism, which emphasizes the connection between humans and the natural world, including the spiritual forces that govern sexuality and reproduction. In some cases, dolls would be used in private rituals to ensure the fertility of a woman or to appease spirits believed to be responsible for the creation of life. These dolls, made from wood, cloth, or other materials, were seen as representations of female deities, often placed in altars or shrines.
Additionally, during the Edo period (1603-1868), erotic art and literature, including “kibyōshi” (erotic picture books), depicted images of sex dolls and other erotic symbols. These cultural artifacts highlighted the connection between eroticism and spirituality in Japan’s history, with sex dolls acting as symbols of fertility and the intimate bond between human beings and the natural world.
The use of sex dolls in these early rituals not only reflected the importance of sexuality in Japanese culture but also demonstrated a unique blend of spirituality, sexuality, and cultural practices, which shaped the role of these dolls in later centuries.