Carved Wooden Folk Style Imperial Couple in Rare Diminutive Size, Circa 1870

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4 1/2" (11 cm.) and 5" dolls. 10" l. base. Of carved wood, depicting an Imperial Couple seated upon their original tatami base, having tiny narrowest eyes, painted features and painted hair. He (obina) posed with hands and crossed ankles, modeled feet, wearing silk brocade outer coat and lacquered court cap; and she (mebina) with elaborate crown and silk costume with embroidered flowers. Generally excellent. Early Meiji era, circa 1870, known as Keshi-bina in reference to their small size, their production likely influenced by government rules on opulence. These smaller yet charming folk sets were often made outside of the doll-making center of Kyoto, their small size and simplicity rendering them more perishable, and thus, today, quite rare.