Kyōhō period (1716–1736)
Donated by Saitō Shōji
Kyōhō dolls, also known as Edo dolls as they were made in Edo (known as Tokyo today), emerged as a response to demand for newer, more elegant hina dolls. Many such dolls were made during the Genroku and Kyōhō eras (1716–1736). They are distinctive for their large size and exceptionally gorgeous costumes of silk and brocade; some dolls could be as large as 60 to 70cm tall.
This is a typical Kyōhō doll. The male doll is thought to have originally held a shaku (flat scepter) in its right hand. Dolls from this period have finely sculpted details rendered in sharp lines, as can be seen in the width of the sleeves and other parts of the body. The male doll’s squarish forehead and protruding chin is yet another feature common to Kyōhō dolls.