Vintage large Hina dolls set of Emperor and Empress
Beautiful vintage set of two large Hina dolls of the Emperor and Empress, this set was part of a Hina doll set that was exhibited annually at home during the Hina Matsuri Festival. These dolls are handmade in traditional Kimekomi style. The bodies of Kimekomi dolls are made of ‘toso’, a paulownia wood sawdust mixed with wheat starch paste, the dolls are artfully covered with various silk woven fabrics. Each doll has a separate stand made of wood and fabric and a gold-colored folding screen.
The empress costume has a beautiful hand-painted landscape on the back. Her head has been repaired in the past as can be seen by the small pieces in her neck. The emperor’s hat shows a small tear at the back. Furthermore, both are in very good vintage condition, no discolouration. This set dates from approximately the 1970s. Read more about the special Kimekomi technique on my About page.
Each year on March 3 families in Japan celebrate Hina Matsuri, the Girls’ Festival. On this day Hina dolls are displayed in homes around Japan. The full set displays dolls representing the emperor, empress, ladies-in-waiting, ministers, musicians and servants. Hina Matsuri is a celebration dedicated to girls, during which parents pray for the good health and happiness of their daughters. Around this time the peach trees are in bloom and that is why the festival is also called the Peach festival.
Material: Toso, gofun, silk, wood
Size emperor + stand: H21 x W21 x D17 cm
Size empress + stand: H21 x W21 x D17 cm
Productcode: KD-008
SOLD
Vintage
Look at the pictures carefully to assess the condition of these vintage items. Read more about the making of Kimekomi dolls on my About page.