Mid-Edo Period – Meiji Period
This ornament was handed down from the Kazama family, who prospered as merchants for the Shōnai clan. Two sets of Dairi-bina are displayed: on the right, Kyoto-made Kokin-bina (traditional dolls with new designs), and on the left, Kokin-bina made in Edo (now Tokyo). Both the male and female dolls from Kyoto are dressed in formal attire called sokutai, which gives them a sense of dignity. Their Edo-made peers, however, look solemn enough to make them the centerpiece of the platform decoration. Viewed from below, the head is slightly tilted to acknowledge the smile of the Hina, a typical feature of the Kokin-bina dolls.
What we can also see is a decorative pair known as ‘Kasa Fuku’ that cannot be seen elsewhere. The ends of the two-tiered umbrellas are garnished with gold threading, brocade, and crepe hangings, such as military banners, gold pouches, crawling children, and medicine bags, to further enhance the appeal of the decorations on show, alongside the oshi-e raised cloth depictions of sweets.