This month's feature: DOLLS

The custom of displaying dolls became popular in Japan about 300 years ago, during the Edo period. On Girl's day (Hina festival), the 3rd of March, parents would pray for the happiness and health of their young daughters. They would display a set of 15 dolls, along with miniature furniture. The dolls' apparel and furniture resemble that of nobleman's family and household. Dolls usually are displayed on step stands which resemble a staircase.

On Boys' day, the 5th of May, dolls of warriors and other heroic figures are displayed. The display is complete with horses, swords and banners. Today, Boy's day has been designated a national holiday and renamed Children's day.

Stands for the dolls are not included. If you like, we can provide a stand free of charge. However we will charges additional shipping charges for stand

Prices are quoted at the beginning of the feature month. We reserve the right to change prices at any time. Please note that we do not update this page to reflect availability of items. If you are interested in purchasing any items, please contact Harumi Antiques.

	1) Gosho doll Gosho dolls were typically given to young girls of nobility 8-1/4 in (h) ca. 1880 $700, s/h $45
	2) Five court musicians, from Hina doll set Conductor, two drummers with handheld drums, drummers with large drum, one floutist 6 in (h) ca. 1920 $300, s/h $40
	3) Three ladies in waiting, from Hina doll set One lady holds the sake cup while the other two pour sake for the emperor and empress. Note the simple red and white comstume. 7 in (h) ca. 1930 $200, s/h $35
	4) Three ladies in waiting, from Hina doll set One lady holds the sake cup while the other two pour sake for the emperor and empress. Note the elaborate comstume. 5 to 5 - 1/2 in (h) ca. 1960 $100, s/h $35
	5) Emperor and empress, from Hina doll set Kyoto style (note emperor's black costume and the empress's simple crown) 7 - 3/4 in (h) ca. 1920 $600, s/h $80
	6) Emperor and empress Typical Hina doll style 5 - 1/4 in (h) ca. 1940 $200, s/h $35
	7) Three resting court guards, from Hina doll set Singing and drinking sake (note the red face of the older guard) 5 - 1/2 in (h) ca. 1930 $250, s/h $45
	8) Two retainers, from Hina doll set Young (red costume) and old (black costume) retainers armed with bows and arrows. Kyoto style. 9 - 1/2 in (h) ca. 1920 $400, s/h $50
	9) Two retainers, from Hina doll set Young and old retainers, in elaborate costumes, armed with bows and arrows. 7 in (h) ca. 1940 $200, s/h $40
	10) Samurai doll, from boys' day set Ready for battle, armed with bow and arrow, protected with helmet and armor. 8 - 1/2 in (h) ca. 1940 $60, s/h $30
	11) Samurai, from boys' day set Mounted, and accompanied by peasant attendant 8 - 1/4 in (h) ca. 1930 $250, s/h $50
	12) Five court musicians, from Hina doll set Conductor, two drummers with handheld drums, drummers with large drum, one floutist 3 to 4 - 1/2 in (h) ca. 1920 $250, s/h $35
	13) Samurai, from boys' day set by Kyoto doll artist, Heizo Maruya. Note young appearance of the samurai. 10 - 1/2 in (h) ca. 1930 $350, s/h $50
	14) Hero and rabbit, from boys' day set from the mythical fairy tale, Inaba no shiro usagi (the white rabbit of Inaba) 10 in (h) ca. 1930 $200, s/h $40
	15) Paper mache toy dog with rattle Decorative gift usually given to new born babies. 8 - 1/4 in (h) ca. 1940 $100, s/h $35
	16) Tachibina emperor and empress Style differs from Hina dolls - standing dolls have costumes glued onto the wooden body. 6 in (h) ca. 1950 $200, s/h $40
	17) Ichimatsu boy doll Doll originally intended as child's toy, but typically displayed as decoration. 15 in (h) ca. 1940 $400, s/h $50
	18) Five musicians Conductor, two drummers with handheld drums, drummers with large drum, one floutist 5 to 6 in (h) ca. 1930 $350, s/h $50
	19) Ichimatsu girl doll by doll artist Tomomichi. Doll originally intended as child's toy, but typically displayed as decoration. sitting 11 in, standing 16 in 1980 $1,000, s/h $60
	20) Lady doll Embroidered fabric kimono 11 in (h) ca. 1920 $250, s/h $40

Feature for September, 1998

DOLLS