Newer Japanese Doll, Tanabata Fesitval Girl

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NAME: Newer Japanese costume doll young lady enjoying the Tanabata or Star Festival activities with original box and an explanation paper written in Japanese.

AGE: Late Showa (1926-1989), c1970-80's?*

SIZE: 9-1/2" (24cm), length of the bamboo branch is approx 12" (30.5cm)

CONDITION: The kimono has discolored a bit with age. The obi has some threads unraveling. The paper decorations have aged also and are more fragile now. There are a few tears.

NOTES: Tanabata or Star Festival is on July 7 and is a celebration of the stars. It has a folklore beginning that can be read all over the internet.

Leafed bamboo branches are used. Participants write their wish on strips of paper (tanzaku) and hang them on the branch (sometimes along with other paper decorations). Kusudama or large decorated ball ornaments with long streamers are also a tradition seen at the festivities.

This doll has the bamboo branch, a kusudama, the wish slips and other paper decorations. Some of the other decorations include several origami items including gold and silver cranes and several types of paper chains. First costume doll of this event I've seen. Very unusual, very cute!

*Not sure of the age. It's not real old but not new. The clothing and paper have age to them. The head is made much differently than I have ever seen. The front part of the head is a hollow form made of some kind of synthetic material. It feels like the dolls of old. The back half is also some kind of composite form and the hands are made of plastic, which simply tells you it is post war.

This product was added to our catalog on Friday 20 August, 2010.