An exhibition of hina dolls made from the early to late Showa period has begun at the “Eshin-no-sato Memorial Museum” and “Itakura-tei Soba Restaurant” in Itakura-ward, Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture.
The display of hina dolls began six years ago when a resident of Itakura-ward donated hina dolls to the Eshin-no-sato Memorial Hall. All the donated dolls are displayed at the Eshin-no-sato Memorial Hall (15 sets) and at the Itakura-tei Soba Restaurant (5 sets).
The dolls were made from the early to late Showa period, and the expressions and materials used differ with each period.
Most dolls from the 40s to 50s of the Showa period have plump, rounded faces and are similar in design to today’s hina dolls. They are made of resin.
This is the oldest one on display, about 90 years old. It is said that human hair was used for the hair.
Director Yamada, Eshin-no-sato Memorial Museum
The face of the statue was placed flat in the past, and if you look closely, you can see that the face is facing upward. It must have been made to make it easier to see the face.”
Dolls also differ depending on where they were made. This is an 8-tiered “Kyo-bina” doll made in Kyoto.
Unlike the “Kanto-bina” made in the Kanto region, the lord sits on the right side facing you and the hina-sama on the left.
The props held by the dolls in the sixth tier, “Kanto-bina” are shoes.
On the other hand, “kyo‐bina” are cleaning tools such as dustpans and brooms.
The exhibition of hina dolls will be held at the Eshin-no-sato Memorial Hall and Soba Restaurant Itakura-tei until March 23 (Sun.).
Ms. Yamada, Director, Eshin-no-sato Memorial Hall
The colors and patterns of the kimonos are slightly different. I hope you will enjoy finding the differences.
In conjunction with the exhibition, the café at the Eshin-no-sato Memorial Museum is offering fresh chocolate and coffee for a limited time.