The sunlight is gradually beginning to feel warmer, and we are entering a season that feels like spring.
At the nationally designated important cultural property " Nozaki's Historical Residence " in Kojima, Kurashiki City, the annual "Nozaki Family Hina Doll Exhibition" is being held.
We will introduce the splendid Hina doll exhibition where you can feel the traditional beauty of Japan in this historic place.
What is the "Nozaki Family Hina Doll Exhibition"?
The "Nozaki Family Hina Doll Exhibition" is being held at the traditional house "Nozaki's Historical Residence," built by Nozaki Buzaiemon, who made his fortune in the salt-making industry during the Edo period, and will run until April 7, 2024 (Sunday).
Approximately 200 valuable items passed down through the generations of the Nozaki family will be displayed, including:
- Meiji period Kinkon Hina dolls
- Hina dolls of Emperor Meiji
- Pressed picture Hina dolls and Hina tools
From February 23 (Friday) to March 10 (Sunday), the "Hina Alumni Association" will be held simultaneously at the Nozaki's Historical Residence's annex, Taikado, where Hina dolls collected from local households will be displayed in a 100-tatami mat large hall.
During the "Hina Alumni Association," you can enter the annex Taikado with the same admission ticket as the Nozaki's Historical Residence.
I went to the "Nozaki Family Hina Doll Exhibition"
You enter the Nozaki's Historical Residence through this magnificent gate.
The estate covers approximately 3,000 tsubo and has a building area of nearly 1,000 tsubo, creating a majestic atmosphere.
I paid the admission fee at the reception and received my admission ticket and pamphlet.
The admission ticket features a picture of a Hina doll.
It makes a nice memento of visiting the Hina Festival exhibition.
The main exhibition hall of the Hina Festival is located in the second exhibition hall at the end of the route. As you walk through the garden along the path, you can find Hina dolls displayed in various tatami rooms within the residence, adding to the fun of discovering where they are located.
▼ In the middle tatami room, the following Hina dolls were displayed.
I was surprised by the depth of the tatami room in the background.
There are nine tatami rooms connected, and the total length is said to be 42 meters.
I arrived at the second exhibition hall, where the main display of Hina dolls is located.
As I opened the door, I was captivated by the luxurious and splendid array of Hina dolls.
Among them, the "Kyoho Hina" stands out with a height of about 80 cm, including the crown, making it particularly impressive. It was gifted to the Nozaki family by the Ikeda family, who were the lords of Okayama during the early Meiji period, and it is characterized by a smiling expression when viewed from below.
Unique Hina Dolls
Among the Hina dolls, there are some with unique shapes.
There were antique items of the five musicians and a dog doll that looks just like a real dog.
I enjoyed imagining when they were made.
Among the Hina tools, there are many props smaller than a fingertip.
I am in awe of the delicate craftsmanship of artisans from long ago.
Conclusion
The faces and costumes of the Hina dolls reflect the trends and fashions of their respective eras.
- A Hina doll modeled after Emperor Showa in a tuxedo
- A court lady with a dog
There were truly a variety of Hina dolls and Hina tools on display, and I was able to appreciate each one in detail.
The Hina Matsuri, believed to have originated about 1,000 years ago during the Heian period, is still loved and cherished by many people today, providing a time to feel the long and deep history of this traditional event.
Data on the Nozaki Family Hina Doll Exhibition
| Name | Nozaki Family Hina Doll Exhibition |
|---|---|
| Dates | January 31, 2024 (Wednesday) to April 7, 2024 (Sunday) * The "Hina Alumni Association" will be held from February 23 (Friday) to March 10 (Sunday) at the annex Taikado of Nozaki's Historical Residence. * Closed on Mondays and February 13 (Tuesday) * Open on February 26 (Monday) and March 4 (Monday) |
| Location | 1-11-19 Ajino, Kojima, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Admission Fee (including tax) | Adults 500 yen; Elementary and junior high school students 300 yen Group discount of 20% for groups of 30 or more * Free for high school students on weekends and holidays |
| Website | Official website of Nozaki's Historical Residence |
