*Saturday, 1st March, 2.15 to 3.45 p.m.
VISIT to the reserve collections of Japanese art at the Bristol City Art Gallery
to celebrate the Japanese Doll Festival.
Led by Kate Newnham, Curator, Eastern Art & Culture.
Participation £2; non-members welcome.
The Doll Festival ('Hina Matsuri') takes place in Japan on the 3rd day of the 3rd month. A special celebration for girls, it is also known as 'Girls' Day'. Sets of dolls representing the Emperor and Empress and their attendants and musicians, all in ancient court dress, are set up on stepped platforms in homes. Little girls dress up in kimono and families celebrate with a special meal. In this form the custom dates back to the early Edo period (1600-1868). However it probably has its roots in a spring court ritual dating to the Heian period (794-1185). A 19th century set of Girls' Day dolls is on loan to the Museum and Art Gallery. The individual dolls, their costumes and accoutrements are exquisitely modelled in silk and lacquer. This afternoon session will provide an opportunity to see the items at close quarters and discuss the custom in Japan.
Subscriptions will be donated to the Eastern Art department's book purchase fund. Application form accompanying or on request; subscriptions by 15th February, please.