Evocative Machi-bina (Town Hina) for the Hina Matsuri, Edo Period

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12" (30 cm.) and 14". Machi-bina (Town Hina) for the Hina Matsuri Girl's Day celebration, each with head and hands of wood covered in gofun with inset glass eyes, painted details including okymayu sky brows and blackened teeth, dressed in coordinated blue silk brocade textiles. The me-bina (imperial lady) featuring robe with overly long sleeves with woven hanabishi (diamond flower) pattern, a silver gray silk brocade kake-obi with purple silk cords with decorative knots, back with full padded layers of kimono topped by a gauze mo train with painted designs, hiogi (wood fan) and elaborate metal crown; the o-bina (imperial lord) in unusual rich purple nagabakama (long trousers), with coordinated purple inner sleeve lining, shaku (scepter) and kanmuri court cap with tall ei tail. Wear and fading of textiles, shaku replaced, lips repainted. Late Edo Period, Mid-19th century. The use of glass eyes dates to the 1850s and ningyo artisans were quick to add this new feature to their works. These early efforts were marked by slightly oversized eyes that create a very distinct, time-specific impression and are evocative of the very end of the Edo Period and the beginning of the Meiji Era.