【Product Name】Houko Dolls, Meiji–Taisho Period (1868–1926), Set of Two, with Box Hinamatsuri (Doll Festival) Dolls, Protective Dolls, Hina Dolls, Offering Dolls, Human Hair, Amulet, Doll for Protection, Bonus: Baby Doll, Spring, Cherry Blossoms, Auspicious Objects Houko Dolls from the Meiji–Taisho Period (1868–1926), Set of Two Japanese Protective Dolls ■ For protection against evil, safe childbirth, and as an amulet for the healthy growth of children. "Katashiro" dolls are used to take on misfortune. ■ They began to be used in the Imperial Court during the Heian period and were placed by the bedside to take on the illnesses and misfortunes of infants. In the Edo period, they were also incorporated as part of Hina dolls. ■ Hina dolls are said to have originated from the combination of "Hina-asobi," a game played by nobles during the Heian period, and the culture of using dolls like Houko to take on impurities and misfortunes. ■ The box has a stamp using the old character "淺" (old form of 浅). This is an old character used before the new character "浅" was established after the war, and is an important factor in determining the period. ■ Meiji Period (1868–) Old characters were officially used in all official documents, education, and publications. The new character "浅" did not yet exist. At the same time: The seal system was fully developed. A distribution network was established by merchants, doll makers, and wholesalers. A culture of management and identification through box writing and box stamps was established. ◆ The form of pressing the shop name stamp and identification stamp on the paper box can be said to be a characteristic of the Meiji period from the appearance of the box. → The "淺" stamp seen on this box shows the highest consistency with the Meiji period. ■ Taisho Period (1912–) The standard character "淺" was also used. However, from this time, simplified characters began to be mixed in some cases. → There is a possibility of being made during this period. From the stamps and the appearance of the box, it is judged that the Meiji period is more natural. ■ Early Showa Period (1926–) Although old characters remained officially, the use of simplified characters increased in newspapers and educational settings. Although there are examples of old characters remaining in stamps and shop name stamps, the influence of modernization appeared in the design of boxes and stamps, and new characters were used. ■ Post-war (1946–) Due to the establishment of the Tōyō Kanji and new characters, "淺 → 浅" was completely transitioned to the new character. There are almost no examples of the old character "淺" being used on boxes made after the war. ■ Doll Height: Approximately 15cm, Width: Approximately 8cm, Depth: Approximately 15cm #All items for sale by Hino-ya Ichimatsu Dolls Bisque Dolls Museum Kimono