This pair of clay dolls is an example of Kyō Ningyō (京人形) — traditional Kyoto dolls — crafted by Tanaka-ya (田中彌), a long-established doll-making house since 1808 in Kyoto known for producing elegant Hina and Gōfun-style figures. These particular dolls represent a miniature Hina Ningyō couple, typically displayed during Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day) in Japan, a celebration that wishes for the happiness and health of young girls.
The set features a dairi-bina couple, the Emperor and Empress, adorned in vividly hand-painted ceremonial robes. The male figure wears a bright red-orange robe with circular floral patterns and a black topknot, while the female figure complements him with a yellow and red kimono, featuring similar patterns and a serene facial expression. Despite their small size, the simplified yet expressive faces reflect a classic aesthetic of Kyoto doll-making — modest, elegant, and imbued with quiet dignity.
Tanaka-ya’s dolls are known for balancing traditional craft with modern charm, and this set is no exception. Made from clay and painted with delicate care, the dolls sit with hands gently folded in front, evoking peaceful formality. Their flat bases make them ideal for seasonal display or year-round admiration as symbols of good fortune and refined Japanese artistry.
