Rare traditional Japanese emperor dolls. With their wooden heads, these mid-eighteenth-century dolls dressed in silk brocade are examples of kyoho-bina. These effigies of imperial couples are offered on the occasion of hina-matsuri, or doll day. This is a religious festival in honour of little girls: every 3 March, young Japanese women display their precious ningyő dolls, representing figures from the imperial court of the Heian era, on platforms. Ningyos, whose production reached its peak during the Edo period, from the 17th to the 19th century, could also take the form of mythological figures, warriors, heroes or ordinary individuals. They were used as spiritual guides, gifts, holiday souvenirs or commemorative objects for families. Edo period, mid-18th century. Possible kyoho-bina. Height 40cm.