okiya:A Maiko with Hina Matsuri Dolls (1890)“Photograph number 252 “Girl” by the Kusakabe Kimb
okiya:A Maiko with Hina Matsuri Dolls (1890)“Photograph number 252 “Girl” by the Kusakabe Kimbei Studio, showing a Maiko (Apprentice Geisha) arranging two large Dairi-bina (Lord and Lady) dolls for the annual Hina Matsuri (Festival of Dolls). The Dairi-bina dolls are the most important of all the Hina-ningyō (Hina Dolls), representing an Imperial Lord and Lady dressed in silken court robes, although they are often mistakenly referred to as Emperor and Empress Dolls.There are several different classical styles of Dairi-bina dolls, these appear to be Kyōho-bina dolls, named after the Kyōho era (1716-1736) in which they are thought to have originated. Kyōho-bina dolls include the first of the large-scale Hina-ningyo that often exceed 30 inches (76 cm) in height. Stylistically, they have well-formed, elongated fingers, somewhat elongated faces with prominent okimayu (moth eyebrows) and clothes made of thick, silk brocades with matching patterns. The male’s feet tend to be pressed together sole to sole and his sword is often quite long with a pronounced curve and shows above his left shoulder.“(source) -- source link
#hinamatsuri#dolls#dolls day#japan