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The story of Ren Jishi
The story of Ren Jishi
The doll with white hair is the father, and the red one is the child. This set is popular for housewarming gift.
These dolls represent the famous Kabuki play, "Renjishi".
Peony flowers are printed on the costume according to the first line of the "Renjishi" story. From ancient the lion and the peony flower are considered that they make a pair due to the belief that both are the king of the beast and flowers. Thus "Renjishi" dolls wear the peony printed costume.
Lions used to be considered as the guardians of the palace of gods in Chinese tradition.
This tradition was passed along into Japanese culture and it became the origin of Komainu, which are the statues of two dogs stand in front of Shinto shrine. Komainu used to called Shishi Komainu (lion and dog) and now it is thought that Komainu are the pair of dogs, but one of them meant lion.
Komainu also guards the territory of people. You can see many Komainu on the roofs of houses in Okinawa. Those are called Shii Saa and protecting buildings.
Consequently, the "Renjishi" dolls are often chose as the house warming gift in Japan.
Why are red and white considered lucky in Japan?
There are various opinions (for example: both of colors imply life and death of human being) to explain it, thought the actual reason is not clear. Bright contrast of colors has been preferred in Japan from long time ago.
Ren Jishi dolls
$462.00
Width 60cm, Depth 30cm, Height 22cm
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$295.00
Width 45cm, Depth 22cm, Height 16cm
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