Vintage Wooden Matchmaking Dolls

This charming pair of vintage wooden dolls, featuring a boy and a girl, originates from the renowned Izumo Taisha Shrine in Shimane Prefecture.

Purchased as a symbol of 縁結び (enmusubi), or marriage and connection, these dolls embody the spirit of the shrine, where Okuninushi Okami, the deity enshrined at Izumo Taisha, has been worshipped as the god of matchmaking and human relationships since ancient times.

Enmusubi is not limited to romantic relationships, but extends to all human connections.

The dolls are delicately hand-painted, showcasing simple yet charming expressions and traditional kimonos.

They are seated in the formal 正座 (seiza) position on a wooden base, with a small red sake cup inscribed with the character 寿 (kotobuki), symbolizing longevity and happiness.

There is also a stamp next to the girl on the wooden base, likely marking the craftsman, though it is unreadable due to age (last photo).

Though simply made, these dolls carry significant cultural value, offering a glimpse into the traditions surrounding matchmaking and relationships in Japan during the Showa era.

Size: H7.5 cm x W9 cm