Kyōhō Dolls

Kyōhō era (1716–1736) Donated by Saitō Shōji

This pair of Kyōhō dolls is typical of the style: large, with finely sculpted features and gorgeous costumes. Their clothes are made from gold and multi-coloured brocade silk. The male doll is holding a sword and flat scepter (known as a ‘shaku’), while the female doll is holding a fan, and wearing a twelve-layered ceremonial kimono, with five multiple bands of coloured silks at the edge of sleeves.