Momomayu [Peach Eyebrows]

Named after the style of eyebrows that women used to draw on themselves, said to resemble the leaves on a peach. This doll depicts a girl no older than the age of 16 who has just performed her coming of age ceremony.
As can be seen on this doll, momomayu are created by painting thick lines in ink that fades going from the forehead outwards. They are drawn on after shaving off the real eyebrows. There is also another theory that they are drawn to resemble the roundness in shape of the peach itself. Momomayu denotes a womanly softness that comforts the beholder.

Mandarin duck patterned embroidery is featured as decoration on the Kodai-gire used for this costume.
Just like actual mandarin ducks that huddle together, Japanese has an expression likening happily married couples to this as they are always by each other’s side. It is a pattern representing auspiciousness and was thought of very highly in the Edo period (1603-1868) where good omens were viewed as being very important.
It is actually quite rare for the mandarin duck pattern to be used for a doll—most often, an artisan will look for the appropriate Kodai-gire after they have decided what to make. However, there are also times when an artisan will encounter a piece of Kodai-gire that inspires them to create something. So perhaps this piece of Kodai-gire has been passed down through the generations in order to, one day, become the beautiful kimono this doll is adorned with today.


So from the mandarin duck pattern of her kimono to the good-omen peaches drawn upon her brow, this doll really is the embodiment of auspiciousness. This is a doll that is suitable for any occasion, and she would be particularly at home being displayed at any celebratory event.

---

Artist
Teiko Hoshi

Production year
2010's

Era of Kodai-gire
Edo period

Usage of Kodai-gire
kimono

Base
Japanese sumac lacquer coated

Size (Doll)
d 10cm w 15cm h 25cm

Size (Base)
d 15cm w 25cm h 2cm

Size (Box)
d 19cm w 29cm h 34cm