Japanese Dolls

Ornamental Japanese Emperor and Empress dolls, as displayed in celebration of Hinamatsuri on March 3 in Japan (Girls’ or Dolls’ Day).

Generally depicted as a Japanese Emperor (left, in blue, holding a scepter) and Empress (right, in red, holding a fan) in ceremonial court dress and seated on a tatami.

When not applied to Hinamatsuri, sometimes used to represent Japan, dolls, a pair of people (as a couple or two friends), and for various idiosyncratic purposes.