A half-smile, the faultless restraint, the delicate features—the face of a Japanese doll silently reveals the soul of an ancient culture. Hina Matsuri , the Festival of Dolls, celebrated on March 3, is a once-a-year event during which little girls learn the importance of gentility and thoughtfulness—qualities they would need to become good wives and mothers in traditional Japanese society.

A major feature of this celebration is the display of Hina Ningyo , special dolls representing aspects of the royal court during the Heian period (795-1185), usually arranged on a five- or seven-tiered stand that is covered with a celebratory red cloth and placed in the best room of the house.

From February 26-March 3, the Portland Japanese Garden will have on display in the Garden Pavilion a superb set of Hina dolls, a very special donation from the family of Loen and Sho Dozono-longtime friends and supporters of the Garden. This extraordinary collection consists of elaborately costumed figures depicting imperial courtiers amid a full complement of beautifully lacquered furnishings.

“The Hina festival is one of the Japanese Go Sekku events, and is held to pray for the health and happiness of little girls,” commented Diane Durston, the Garden’s Curator of Culture, Art, & Education.

The Hina dolls will be on display during open Garden hours, 10am-4pm every day, (except Monday, when the Garden is open from Noon-4).  Entry to view the display in the Pavilion is free with Garden admission. Visitors are welcome to photograph their favorite young lady against the brilliant backdrop of this exquisite seven-tiered set.

The Portland Japanese Garden has been proclaimed one of the most beautiful Japanese gardens in the world.  The Garden is located above Washington Park at 611 SW Kingston Drive in SW Portland, Oregon and is open daily except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s.

www.japanesegarden.com