Pair of hinamatsuri ひな祭り (Girls' Festival) representing the emperor (obina) and empress (mebina), adorned in lavish brocade silk kimonos. Their visages are meticulously crafted to mirror the distinguished appearance of nobility, with their delicate skin achieved through multiple applications of gofun 胡粉, a fine powder derived from the itabo oyster (Ostrea denselamellosa). Both figures are positioned on a platform resembling a raised tatami. Referred to as the imperial dolls (内裏雛 (だいりびな), dairi-bina), these figurines occupy the highest platform in the traditional multi-tiered doll arrangement, symbolizing the imperial palace (dairi). Period: Japan – 19th century (Late Edo period/Early Meiji period). Approx. dimensions excl. base: Emperor: Height 28 cm, Width 24 cm, Depth 18 cm. Empress: Height 21.5 cm, Width 30.5 cm, Depth 24 cm. Base: Height 4 cm, Width 36 cm, Depth 23 cm. Both in a good original condition with signs of age-related wear, like wear of hair and fingers, and some wear of the fabrics. Please look at the photos for a condition reference. Hinamatsuri (雛祭り), also called Doll's Day or Girls' Day, is a religious (Shinto) holiday in Japan, celebrated on 3 March of each year. Platforms covered with a red carpet–material are used to display a set of ornamental dolls (雛人形, hina-ningyō) representing the Emperor, Empress, attendants, and musicians in traditional court dress of the Heian period.