Court Vassal Doll
Artifact IDMO 63.4843.13
Object Type
Doll
Date
1950-1965
Gifter
Tsuyako Matsumoto
Maker
unknown
Place MadeJapan, Asia
Medium
Wood, silk
Dimensions5 1/2 x 7 in.
Doll, stand
Doll, stand
Physical DescriptionJapanese male doll (a) in seated position with wood composition face and wood hands. Doll is wearing a multicolored white, red and gold brocade costume. Sits on black lacquered rectangualr wood base (b). Small wood tray with miniature black shoes (c) is held in hands when displayed on altar. Part of set of 15 dolls used on Hina Matsuri (Girls' Day) altar 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.
The vassals, or servant, dolls occupy the fifth tier of the altar and their facial expressions are meant to embody the emotions. This doll represents sorrow.
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.
The vassals, or servant, dolls occupy the fifth tier of the altar and their facial expressions are meant to embody the emotions. This doll represents sorrow.
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
