Edo Ishogi Ningyo (Costumed Dolls)〜Traditional Crafts of Tokyo JAPAN

History and Characteristics:
Even in modern times, the seasonal festival that falls on March 3rd (Girls’ Day) is an important annual event.
In that another name for this festival is the “Hina Matsuri” (the Dolls’ Festival); it is a traditional event in which Hina Ningyo (Hina dolls) play a central role.
Hina Ningyo roots in Japanese culture are very old, there even being references to them in the Genji Monogatari (The Tale of Genji), a literary classic written by Lady Murasaki Shikibu in the early years of the 11th century. Early on, such dolls were an amusement limited to small circles of people such as the Kyoto aristocracy. However, as the nation entered the Edo Period (1603-1868), greater social stability saw a doll culture diffuse among the masses.
Concerning dolls in Edo, it is said that the opening of a dolls' market at Jukendana during the Genroku Era (1688-1704) during the time of Tsunayoshi (the 5th Tokugawa Shogun) provided a great boost in production.
Jukendana is located in modern Chuo Ward in the vicinity of Nihonbashi-Muromachi. Remaining records indicate that the area was very lively in the old days.
In addition to the Hina Ningyo of the Girls’ Day Festival in March, Edo Ishogi Ningyo (costumed dolls) are also produced as Musha Ningyo (military dolls) for festivals in May and Oyama Ningyo (dolls representing female kabuki roles). There are also Kabuki Ningyo (Kabuki dolls), Ichimatsu Ningyo (depictions of small children), and Gosho Ningyo (imperial dolls), etc.
Doll limbs and heads are joined to bodies made from gofun and straw, a doll then being completed by the fitting of a costume. Before completion, however, more than 100 processes have to be carefully carried out.
Concerning modern Ichimatsu Ningyo, they are said to derive from a young doll that was based on the Osaka Kabuki actor Sanogawa Ichimatsu (1722-1762), who experienced explosive popularity around the middle of the Edo Period.
What is distinctive about Edo Ishogi Ningyo (costumed dolls) is said to be their beauty and cuteness. These attributes leverage current sensibilities while also being faithful to technologies and techniques that have continued since the Edo Period. It is also felt that these dolls will continue to work their way into the hearts of future generations.

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