September, 19 13 



AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 



33i 



The modern German dolls are truly remarkable and wonderfully natural in expression 

 are true, each to his type, even to the smallest minutia of cos- Everything that a reasonable doll could wish for is added 



tume. Some of the expensive ones are marvels of fine 

 workmanship. These Hina are carefully conserved for 

 the small daughter, who is only allowed to play with 

 them on high days and holidays. The Hina Mat- 

 suri — doll festival — takes place on the third day 

 of the third month, and is a most exciting day for 

 all little girls in Japan. 



The dolls are all brought from the Go Down 

 or store house, where they have rested quietly for 

 a twelve month, and arranged in the guest room 

 on tiers of red-covered shelves built for the pur- 

 pose. They are always arranged in the same 

 manner and have been from time immemorial; 

 the Emperor and Empress on their thrones at 

 the top, and the others set according to their rank. 

 The tiny models of household articles are won- 

 derfully pretty and of exquisite workmanship. 



Chinese baby doll 



to the collection, which grows by the addition of one 

 doll a year at least, as the custom is to give each girl 

 a doll on her birthday. 



All these Hinas are carefully treasured by the 

 mother until her daughter marries when they go 

 with her to her new home, and are cherished until 

 her eldest son marries, when they become his 

 property, and thus are passed on from generation 

 to generation. 



We can imagine how tenderly and reverently 

 the children handle these dolls, which have become 

 a sacred part of the household. There is a super- 

 stition believed by many that if a doll is treasured 

 long enough and loved enough, it acquires a soul, 

 and is supposed to have supernatural powers, and 

 many are treated like real children and loaned by 

 one family to another, to bring children good luck. 



Two modern dolls attired in quaint, old-fashioned costumes 



