Dairibina Dolls (Emperor and Empress Dolls)

Dairibina are a pair of male and female dolls based on the emperor and empress. Shiko (1683-1755) depicted the dolls as if seen diagonally from the left while fully blooming peach blossoms were painted above them. The design makes the dolls look as if they were actual humans seated outdoors. Originating from China, the Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival) took place even in the Heian Period, but dolls started to be displayed at the festival from the Edo Period. This painting shows Kyoho dolls that became popular during the Kyoho era between 1716 and 1736.