Bunsei era (1818–1830) Donated by Saitō Shōji
Crafted to represent the legendary Empress Jingū, this doll was made as a warrior doll for display during Tango no Sekku, the fifth day of the fifth month which is today known as Children’s Day. According to the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, she travelled to Silla on the Korean Peninsula while pregnant, and gave birth to a baby boy named Homutawake. Dolls depicting Empress Jingū were also made to symbolize a safe delivery during childbirth.
Empress Jingū, who supposedly ruled as regent following her husband’s death in 200AD, is considered a controversial monarch by historians for her alleged invasion of the Korean peninsula.