Interesting Keshi Bina, Kawari-bina Hina Ningyo Dolls

When the peaceful life of Edo (1600-1868) continued without any major battles for years, the people's life in general became more affluent. The merchant's economic power was getting stronger.

The government issued sumptuary laws one after the other to put a stop to the extravagant lifestyle of the merchant class who were socially ranked at the bottom; samurai at the top, farmers, artisans and merchants followed after. The Edo period was the samurai’s era and they were basically taught to be frugal. While some of the merchant’s spending power was unlimited, the farmers were facing the severe draught in some areas

The size of hina dolls for the commoners was limited to 9 and half inches at the end of 18th century (The reform of Kansei). They even limited the use of gold and silver threads to the extent of how intricate a weaving or embroidery could be. It was the time that they were making over 28 inches hina dolls over 28 inches. It pushed people to look for alternatives and it even stimulated culture by bringing newer ideas and techniques.

The doll makers reacted to the reform by putting all they can to the minute dolls. The doll is called Keshi-bina and some are as little as 1 inch tall, There are some sets of Keshi bina left today with all of their heads finely carved out of ivory.