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Hina and Japanese Dolls

  • Image of "Hina Dolls, Gekubi (ivory head) type, Edo period, ca. 1850 (Gift of Mrs. Mitani Tei)"

    Hina Dolls, Gekubi (ivory head) type, Edo period, ca. 1850 (Gift of Mrs. Mitani Tei)

    Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 14
    February 5, 2019 (Tue) - March 17, 2019 (Sun)

    It is custom in Japan to display ornamental Emperor and Empress dolls on March 3. This is done to pray for the health and happiness of girls.

    These “hina” dolls were very popular during the Edo period (1603-1868), with many exquisite examples produced during this time.

    The dolls are imbued with the Japanese aesthetic reverence for delicate, beautiful and adorable objects.

Hina Dolls, Gekubi-bina(ivory head) type, Edo period, ca. 1850 (Gift of Mrs. Mitani Tei))
Miniature Palace for Hina Dolls, Edo period, ca. 1850 (Gift of Mrs. Mitani Tei)
Standing Hina Dolls, With Jirozaemon-type heads, Edo period, 18th-19th century
Gosho Doll, In Noh costume, Edo period, 19th century