Gion Matsuri, Kyoto Ashikari-yama

Divine Doll for the Ashikari-yama float is based on the Noh play Ashikari. The doll is in the figure of an old man, clad in a Noh costume with a Japanese fan in its bosom. It holds a sickle and a reed in the right and left hand respectively, and is supposed to be in a reed field. Behind it on the float is a basket covered with scarlet cloth and containing a pine bough. The set, together with the golden crescent hung on the pine, depicts an autumnal dusk. The doll’s former costume (kosode, a type of kimono) is the oldest among all of the kind for Gion Matsuri.

The previous head part of the Ashikari-yama divine doll is a historical masterpiece with the inscription of the year 1537 by Ko-un, a disciple of Un-kei, a famous sculptor. The head was retreated from the festival use, as a crack generated in the tip of an eye recently. The head and the doll were deposited with the Academy for National Treasures, to receive repair for permanent preservation. In turn, a replica that had been stored in the community since Edo period came into use in the procession. On July 2, 2000, the transition ceremony from old to new divine doll head was held for the first time in a century (Doll Head Review).
The repair of the old and new heads and dolls were completed on March 8, 2002 at the Academy.

Former Doll Head

Current Doll Head