Imperial Hina Ningyo dolls (Emperor & Empress) - rice straw, Silk - Japan - Meiji period (1868-1912)
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€ 15
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Selected by Giovanni Bottero
Holds a master’s in Japanese art history with over 10 years’ expertise in Asian art.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
 | €15 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €10 | |
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Imperial Hina Ningyo dolls of a rice-straw core with silk and gold-thread garments, originating in Japan and dating to the Meiji period, measuring 26 cm by 30 cm, from a private collection, authentic/original, with gofun faces and hands, elaborately brocaded silk costumes, the Empress wearing a red train embroidered in gold and crane motifs and a removable crown with a ritual wooden fan, the Emperor with hair ornaments, overall good condition though the Empress’s hair shows age-related damage and has been preserved for potential restoration.
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Description from the seller
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.
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.
Details
Dynastic Style/Period
Meiji period (1868-1912)
Country of Origin
Japan
Material
rice straw, Silk
Height
26 cm
Width
30 cm
Title of artwork
Imperial Hina Ningyo dolls (Emperor & Empress)
Condition
Fair condition
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
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