The Emperor's Court

Here is another Hina-Matsuri display, dating probably from the 1970s or 1980s. It utilises figures made from porcelain. The original traditional Hina-Matsuri displays often were created over time, like Western 'Nativity sets' and the figures would be real dolls, elaborately dressed in silks. Perhaps a family would acquire a new doll or accessory each year, and these would be passed from mother to daughter. This particular set was not an expensive one, but it is interesting to compare it to the paper 'pop-up card'. As populations expand, many people have no space for large seasonal displays. People move more frequently as well, and it is difficult to drag objects like dolls from city to city or even continent to continent.

Worlds created from Paper

This is a contemporary greeting card from Japan for the 'Hina-Matsuri' or Peach Blossom Festival. As described in my previous post, Hina dolls traditionally were actual figures displayed on tiers. The Japanese, however, are known for their skill not only in making incredible use of very small spaces but for their use of paper. Origami is an art form that has achieved international fame, but the Japanese have been able to use paper even to create interior walls for houses.

The 'pop-up card' is not exclusively a Japanese form, but it has been used here to create an incredible little Hina display that includes all the traditional members of the Emperor's court and their accoutrements.

I myself love miniature secret worlds and the entire concept of 'pop-up' books and cards is that of a hidden world that can be collapsed into a two-dimensional book or card but which appears in full glory when the book or card is opened.

A crystal ball or a candle flame is a traditional focus for meditation. I do find that a 'pop-up' card or book can be an incredible aid for creative visualisation, another form of meditation. Apart from that, it is a source of great delight. The first moment of surprise, when the card or page is opened, is one of the great pleasures of childhood that still enchants.

In this age of technology, when video and computer games offer a chance to experience other worlds and lives, the 'pop-up' card or book still retains its special magic.