Kokin-bina
Kokin-bina originated during the Meiwa era (1764–1772), under the reign of the 10th Tokugawa shogun, Ieharu. The name “Kokin” references the Kokin Wakashū, a classical poetry anthology, evoking a sense of classical courtly elegance.
In this style, the male doll wears a formal black sokutai robe, while the female doll is adorned in a multi-layered court kimono (mo-karaginu) and a jeweled crown. These dolls are intricately crafted and are considered high-end examples of town-made hina ningyō that followed the Kyōhō-bina tradition.
Hina ningyō (雛人形, traditional dolls displayed for Girls’ Day) are ornamental dolls displayed on March 3rd during the festival known as Hinamatsuri. These dolls are part of a tradition that celebrates and prays for the health, happiness, and successful growth of young girls.
In western Japan, grand palace-style displays are common, featuring the Emperor and Empress dressed in courtly robes. In eastern Japan, multi-tiered arrangements depict scenes from the imperial court, complete with attendants and musicians.
While Hinamatsuri may feel like an ancient custom, the practice of displaying hina ningyō in their current form actually began during the Edo period (17th century to mid-19th century). The tradition evolved from an older ritual called nagashi-bina, in which paper dolls were floated down rivers to carry away misfortune. Over time, this transformed into the more elaborate and artistic displays we see today.
At our museum, we present Hina ningyō spanning from the Edo period to modern times. Each doll reflects the aesthetics and values of its era. We invite you to explore this refined tradition and discover the beauty of Japan’s seasonal celebrations.