Japanese Washi Doll Set

This month's feature is a set of Japanese washi dolls. They are numbered in the museum's collection as #1998.008.1 and #1998.008.2. Dolls have a rich history in Japan and many are used today for shrines, formal gifts, and festivals. They are also made in a broad range of sizes and materials; washi dolls, called Anesama ningyō, are three-dimensional paper figures mounted on a base, and tend to be no more than a foot tall. Most washi dolls are clothed in traditional outfits or are participating in traditional behaviors; Anesama ningyō were common in the Edo (1603-1868) period with young girls and women who constructed the dolls for sale or play, and the styles varied by the region.  

The first doll is a geisha seated and holding a candle, wearing an elaborate green- and gold-print kimono and an indigo obi made from chiyogami, which is decorative paper. Her hair is arranged in the traditional manner with ornaments, a comb, and a pick. The second doll is a scene of two boys playing a top game called beigoma that was introduced in the Heian period (794-1185) and was popular with children in the Edo period. The modern Beyblade toys are modeled after beigoma.  

We hope that you enjoyed this peek at our collection! We'll be back next month with another artifact. Have a great February!