Hina and Other Japanese Dolls
-
Mechanical Dolls on Platform (detail), By Myogaya Hanemon,Kawai Tanigoro Masazane, Edo period, dated 1713
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 14
February 21, 2017 (Tue) - April 16, 2017 (Sun)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. 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. We hope that this exhibition will convey the delicacy, beauty, and charm of Japanese aesthetics.
Current exhibit includes:
Mechanical Dolls on Platform, By Myogaya Han'emon and Kawai Tanigoro Masazane, Edo period, dated 1713
Hina Dolls, Kyoho type, Edo period, 18th century
Standing Hina Dolls, With Jirozaemon-type heads, Edo period, 18th - 19th century
Costumed Doll, Kichiya (Kabuki actor), Edo period, 18th century
Uizan Dolls, Meiji era, 19th century (Gift of Ms. Akagi Yasuko)