Tenmei era (1781–1789) Donated by Saitō Shōji
A ‘hauko’ is a doll usually given to young women of age, and especially to pregnant women in Japan to protect both mother and unborn child. Traditionally, they would have been made of silk and human hair, and stuffed with cotton. With a mizuhiki-tied fringe on its forehead, this hauko is an excellent example of a palace doll. It was made during the Edo period (1603–1868) and was a toy for young girls.