Musician (Gonin bayashi) Doll
Artifact IDMO 63.4843.9
Object Type
Doll
Gifter
Tsuyako Matsumoto
Maker
unknown
Place MadeJapan, Asia
Medium
Wood, silk
Dimensions7 1/2 x 6 in.
Doll, drum, 2 drum sticks, hat
Doll, drum, 2 drum sticks, hat
Physical DescriptionJapanese male musician doll (a) in seated position with wood composition face and wood hands. Doll is wearing a multicolored red, green and gold brocade costume; wears detachable black plastic hat. Sits on black lacquered rectangular wood base (b). Accessory for this doll is a closed fan (c) held in right hand, denoting he is a singer. Part of a set of 15 dolls used on Hina Matsuri (Girl's Day Festival) altar that includes: Emperor, Empress, 3 Ladies in Waiting, 5 Musicians, and 2 Ministers. See MO 63.4843.1-15.
Historical NoteThe festival was established in 1687. Girls take out the hina and arrange them on the hina-dan, with as many as 7 steps, each with its own designated set of hina: the Emperor and Empress at the top,3 ladies serving them sake on the next step, then 5 musicians, 2 "guardians" with weapons, and 3 servants; also included may be various toy implements representing a dowry (small chests, carts, etc.). Girls then play hostess to their friends, and also to the ningyo, who are "fed" in tiny dish sets.
Additional DetailsCredit 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
