vintage collectible japanese doll

Description

FIVE GIRLS AT A FESTIVAL
The
Kanda Festival (
神田祭
)
is one of the oldest festivals in Tokyo. Started in 1603 as a celebration of prosperity, it has been one of Japan’s greatest events for over 400 years.
These five young girls are dressed in classical Edo Period festival costumes. They are 8-12 year old friends, out to enjoy the day!
One carries a parasol, two carry tsuzumi drums, another caries a branch of flowers, and the other carries shiokumi saltwater buckets.
All five are in very good condition for their age. They are souvenirs from about 1960, popular with western businessmen, diplomats and soldiers to take home as gifts.
These dolls are each about 9” tall . They are not meant to be used as play dolls. Their faces, hands and feet are made of “gofun” – oyster shell paste. Kimonos are a combination of natural and synthetic silk. As with most antique dolls slight discoloration is to be expected after 60 years, so please inspect the photos carefully.
The five are sold as a lot only, not individually. Staged on a shelf together they tell a great story...and make a great conversation piece!