Imperial Hina Ningyo dolls (Emperor & Empress) - rice straw

Imperial couple of Hina Ningyo dolls (Emperor & Empress) in silk and gold thread – straw structure – Japan – Late Edo / Meiji Era (19th century) Traditional Japanese court dolls (Dairi-bina), used for the Girls' Festival (Hinamatsuri). The Emperor (Obina) and the Empress (Mebina) sit on their ceremonial cushions in their original fabric. Faces and hands molded in traditional white shell-paste (gofun), finely hand-painted. The body structures are faithful to ancient methods: they consist of compacted rice straw and wooden elements, on which the precious garments are assembled. Elaborate multi-layer court costumes in antique silk brocade (nishiki). The Empress's red train is richly hand-embroidered with gold threads and crane motifs (symbol of longevity) and pine trees. The Empress has retained her original removable crown in metal, finely worked, with pendants (glass beads and coral) as well as her ritual wooden fan (Hiōgi). The Emperor possesses his hair ornaments made of natural hair. Good overall condition; the faces remain as is, but the Empress's original hair has suffered weathering and has become loose/cut, yet has been carefully preserved and will be included in the package for potential restoration.

Estimate:£125.8

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