Creeping (haihai) baby, Gosho ningyo

Haihai ningyo are dolls given by the Emperor to the imperial princes and princesses since ancient times, not just to celebrate a birth, but also on New Year and August 1st. Princesses have handed down their cherished dolls to Monseki temples such as Houkyouji and Reikanji. Nowadays too, the thoughts of people praying for the healthy development of children are carried by these gosho ningyo dolls, unchanged for generations, looking to all the world as if they are about to toddle off.