Empress (hina) Doll
Artifact IDMO 63.4843.2
Object Type
Doll
Date
ca. 1955
Date Presented1962
Maker
unknown
Place MadeJapan, Asia
Medium
Wood, silk
DimensionsOverall H 7 in x W 11 in (17.8 cm x 27.9 cm)
Physical DescriptionJapanese female empress doll (a) in seated position with wood composition face and wood hands. Doll is wearing a multicolored red and gold brocade costume and holds a paper fan (c). Sits on a straw mat covered wooden base (b). Part of a set of 15 dolls used to celebrate Girls' Day (Hina Matsuri) that includes: Emperor, Empress, 3 Ladies in Waiting, 5 Musicians, and 2 Ministers. See MO 63.4843.1-15.
Historical NoteThe origins of the Hina Matsuri or Girls' Day festival in Japan are unclear, but records show that it was firmly established as an annual event by the early Edo period (1603-1868). Hina doll markets existed by the 1680s.
Placement of the dolls and their accessories on a Hina Matsuri altar is highly prescribed but can vary slightly based on family tradition, region, and the size of the set. The top tier of the altar always holds the dolls that represent the emperor and empress, known as "hina" or "dari-bina." Tiers below the imperial couple contain three court ladies, a group of five musicians, two high-ranking ministers, and court vassals.
The set in the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is for a five tier altar. Dating to the 1950s, the dolls in this set were made in the Kanto region of Japan, characterized stylistically by eyes that are larger and more upwardly slanted. The heads are made of finely ground wood chips from paulownia trees mixed with glue. The eyes were similarly fashioned by mixing glue with clam shells that had been ground into powder.
Additional DetailsPlacement of the dolls and their accessories on a Hina Matsuri altar is highly prescribed but can vary slightly based on family tradition, region, and the size of the set. The top tier of the altar always holds the dolls that represent the emperor and empress, known as "hina" or "dari-bina." Tiers below the imperial couple contain three court ladies, a group of five musicians, two high-ranking ministers, and court vassals.
The set in the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is for a five tier altar. Dating to the 1950s, the dolls in this set were made in the Kanto region of Japan, characterized stylistically by eyes that are larger and more upwardly slanted. The heads are made of finely ground wood chips from paulownia trees mixed with glue. The eyes were similarly fashioned by mixing glue with clam shells that had been ground into powder.
Custodial History NoteItem was a gift from a member of the general public to the President and Mrs. Kennedy received by the Executive Office of the President betwen 1961-1963 and held by the General Service Administration until it was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from Public (National Archives Identifier 1676966)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
Not on view
