164 - A RARE AND EXTENSIVE SET OF 91 MINIATURE LACQUER FURNISHINGS (HINADOGU) FOR THE GIRLS' DAY FESTIVAL (HINA MATSURI)

A RARE AND EXTENSIVE SET OF 91 MINIATURE LACQUER FURNISHINGS (HINADOGU) FOR THE GIRLS' DAY FESTIVAL (HINA MATSURI) Japan, 19th century, late Edo period (1615-1868) An exceptionally extensive ensemble comprising 91 pieces, including 46 miniature furnishings and 45 accessories, finely decorated in gold hiramaki-e on a lustrous black roiro ground with scrolling foliage and stylized blossoms, complemented by red-lacquered interiors, metal fittings, bamboo blinds, and braided silk cords with tassels. The set includes a palanquin (norimono) with carrying poles and two roofed portable boxes; cabinets and chests of drawers (tansu), travelling trunks (nagamochi), shelving units, garment racks, a bamboo-blind screen, and a reading stand; six footed serving trays (kakeban), miniature tables, stands, and lighting fixtures; tea and dining equipment, including kettles, braziers, bowls, dishes, lacquered containers, and utensils; a pair of octagonal shell-matching containers (kaioke), wheeled stands, and further miniature accessories. Together, the elaborate ensemble recreates the luxurious furnishings and ceremonial accoutrements of a noble Japanese household on a remarkably diminutive scale. LENGTH 3.4 cm (small stand) - 37 cm (palanquin) Provenance: From a private English collection, Heath House, Hampshire. By repute, acquired in Asia around 1900. The same collection includes a Louis XVI bureau plat reportedly used as a working desk by the French Emperor Napoleon III. Condition: Very good condition with minor wear, occasional small nicks and surface scratches, and tiny losses to some covers and a lantern top. Minor repairs. Presenting exceptionally well. Hinamatsuri, celebrated annually on 3 March, is one of Japan's most cherished traditional festivals, dedicated to the health, happiness, and prosperity of young girls. Its origins are traditionally associated with ancient purification rituals and the aristocratic custom of hiina-asobi, or playing house with dolls. During the Edo period (1615-1868), these customs developed into increasingly elaborate celebrations, with finely dressed dolls representing the imperial couple and their courtly entourage displayed alongside ceremonial offerings and miniature furnishings on tiered platforms covered in red cloth. The miniature furnishings, known as hinadogu, were meticulously crafted reproductions of the luxurious bridal trousseaux of aristocratic and wealthy samurai families. Including palanquins, cabinets, chests, dressing equipment, and ceremonial tableware, they reflected the refinement of noble domestic life while symbolizing wishes for a daughter's future happiness and auspicious marriage. Museum comparison: Compare a set of hina dolls and miniature accessories, dated to the Edo period, formerly belonging to Princess Kazunomiya, now in the National Museum of Japanese History, object number H-40. Auction comparison: Compare a related miniature lacquer carriage for the Girls' Day Festival, dated to the 19th century, Edo period, 30.2 cm high, at Christie's, Lacquer, Jade, Bronze, Ink: The Irving Collection Day Sale, 21 March 2019, New York, lot 1321 (sold for USD 32,500 or approx. EUR 38,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing). Compare a closely related but smaller set of miniature lacquer furniture for the Girls' Day Festival, comprising 64 pieces, dated to the 19th century, Edo period, the largest 34.9 x 23.5 x 27.9 cm, at Christie's, Japanese and Korean Art, 18 March 2008, New York, lot 27 (sold for USD 6,250 or approx. EUR 8,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing).