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The story of Takasago
Takasago dolls symbolize the longevity and harmony of a marital relationship. The motif is an elderly couple, fairies of Aioi no Matsu, a phenomenon where the male and female pine trees ("matsu") grow intertwove with one another. The Aioi no Matsu thus symbolizes a strong conjugal tie and pine trees symbolize. So, in Japan these dolls are a popular as an engagement gift and also, forauspicious occasions.
The Noh drama "Takasago"
A Shinto priest of Aso Shrine once visited Takasago of Harima no kuni,
which is now in southwest of Hyogo prefecture, on the way trip. There were beautiful
pine trees. In the shade of the trees, an elderly couple was sweeping
around the trees.
The man of the couple told the legend that "Pine trees of Takasago and Sumiyoshi
are "Aioi no Matsu(pine tree), those are Aioi no Matsu" which means "pine trees of husband and wife" even they are separated to the priest. They told the truth in fact that they were fairies of the pine trees of Takasago and Sumiyoshi to the priest and then disappeared.
The end of this noh play, the priest went toward Sumiyoshi. The god of Sumiyoshi Shrine came out in front of the priest and dance.
The bamboo rake that the old man has is a tool to sweep and gather the
leaves of Aioi no Matsu, a symbol of longevity. The broom the woman
has is a tool to sweep off the evil. Both are bringers of good luck.
The auspiciousness of the Takasago dolls is exquisite in every respect.
Why do Japanese people celebrate longevity?
It could be thought that this idea is also come from China, because Chinese people used to respect hsien, a legendary immortal wizard living in the mountains and performing miracles.
Pine, bamboo and plum
This is an idea from China. Even in the depth of winter Pine trees and bamboos do not lose their color and plum trees blossom out. Those plants considered as expressions of purity and chastity, which were ideals of Chinese intellectuals.
Takasago dolls
$50,400
Width 60cm, Depth 30cm, Height 25cm
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$36,750
Width 45cm, Depth 22cm, Height 21cm
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$18,900
Width 21cm, Depth 18cm, Height 13cm
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