Specially commissioned doll Noh dance “Crane and Tortoise”

Late Edo to Meiji period

Donated by the Sakata Chuo Senior High School Alumni Association (Formerly owned by the Shirasaki family) 

A short Noh drama depicting a New Year’s celebration held in China during the Tang Dynasty. When a crane and tortoise dance in front of the emperor to celebrate His Majesty’s longevity, the delighted emperor himself dances as well. After the aristocrats have also danced and enlivened the gathering, the emperor gets on a palanquin to return to the Hall of Everlasting Life.