Hina and Other Japanese Dolls

In Japan, the third day of the third month is the “Peach Blossom Festival,” the time to display hina dolls. The history of these dolls goes back to ancient times when people purified themselves by transferring “defilements” and “wrongdoings” to dolls, and also to the Heian period (794–1192), when aristocrats used dolls as protective charms for their children. These children also played house with small dolls.

The use of dolls for purification and for play continued into the Edo period (1603–1868), during which the tradition of displaying hina dolls for girls during the Peach Blossom Festival became established. Early hina are thought to have been standing paper dolls that were used mainly for play. From the first half of the 17th century, special made-to-order sitting dolls in silk clothes were created for the imperial court, a practice that later spread to the warrior class and the townspeople. Dolls with costumes of ample silk and gold brocade were also created for wealthy townspeople.

In order to trace this rich history, a variety of dolls is on display, including isho ningyo, which depict the people of the Edo period with different garments. These kind of dolls are very rare today, making this exhibition a truly unique opportunity. We hope that this exhibition will convey the delicacy, beauty, and charm of Japanese aesthetics.