Set of four Edo period kimekomi ningyo dolls depicting an imperial couple and courtiers

This unique set of kimekomi ningyo dolls depicts a Japanese imperial couple, the centerpiece of the traditional Hinamatsuri, or Festival of Dolls, celebrated annually in Japan on March 3. The dolls are extremely intricately crafted and carefully dressed in elegant, multi-layered costumes, reflecting the attention to detail characteristic of Japanese craftsmanship.
The set includes two larger dolls depicting an imperial couple, and smaller scale dolls of a pair of courtiers.
Emperor - a doll dressed in traditional imperial attire, with an ornate kimono in shades of brown and orange decorated with floral motifs.
Empress - the empress doll is distinguished by a beautiful, ornate kimono with intricate details such as floral motifs and traditional ornaments. On her head is an ornate diadem with decorations reminiscent of traditional imperial ornaments.
The pair of courtiers - traditionally depicted on a smaller scale than the more important figures - are characterized by slightly less ornate robes and a lack of hair ornaments and other attributes.
The bodies of the dolls, according to tradition, are made of wood, the faces are made of ceramic, while the hands are made of wood painted white. All fabrics are in good condition, although the passing of time has left its mark on them and they have faded somewhat. The original kimono sewing material was used to make the dolls' costumes. The only loss is visible on the hand of the large doll depicting the empress. Dimensions:
Emperor doll: base 33 x 23 x 40 cm
Empress doll: 38 x 20 x 40 cm
Courtiers' dolls: 8 x 16 x 10 cm
Author: unknown
Dating: 19th century