**First Time At Auction**

East Asia, Japan, late 19th to early 20th century. A diorama housing two antique Japanese Hina Ningyo (dolls) used for the Hina Matsuri Festival (also known as the Girls Festival), and emperor and an empress, both in traditional costumes. Displaying emperor and empress dolls during festivals began during the early Edo period (1603 - 1868). Other types of dolls (ladies-in-waiting, musicians, guards and servants) were added later. Aristocrats, samurai, and daimyo classes also traditionally selected a set of hina dolls when it was time for marriage to be incorporated in to the bridal trousseau during the Edo period. Size (box): 5.6" L x 13.6" W x 7.75" H (14.2 cm x 34.5 cm x 19.7 cm); (each figure - both are relatively similar): 4.625" W x 4" H (11.7 cm x 10.2 cm)

Provenance: private southern California, USA collection, acquired before 2000.

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#156538

Loss to one finger of male figure as shown; female is intact and very good. Both figures have light abrasions to faces and limbs. Expected wear to fabric, but wonderful remains of textile colors.