Nikon D200 + Nikkor 85mm f/1.4 — ¹/500 sec, f/2, ISO 250 — full exif
Emperor and Empress
Hinamatsuri display made by 5-year-old Anthony

Hinamatsuri – the doll festival – is from a tradition that dates back about 900 to 1,100 years. Young children and older girls put out displays of dolls of the Heian court (the Japanese imperial court from about 800 to 1200 AD). Some people put out huge, elaborate displays with many dolls and accessories, but I much prefer to see Anthony's artwork. All the kids at preschool made them in the same basic form, but each ended up quite different, with its own personality.

Nikon D200 + Nikkor 85mm f/1.4 — ¹/160 sec, f/2.5, ISO 250 — full exif

I've got to wonder whether the emperor's frown is on purpose or an accident. Japanese never smile for formal pictures (school pictures, pictures for ID badges, etc.), so maybe the emperor was intended to look stern. It's probably simply that Anthony wasn't paying attention. I like his big eye, too.

Both figures are holding folding fans, hers being open and his being closed.

We had this on display in front of the living-room window for a while...

Nikon D200 + Nikkor 85mm f/1.4 — ¹/180 sec, f/2.5, ISO 250 — full exif

I went out again this evening to photograph the Kyoto Higashiyama “Hanatoro” Lightup Event as I did the other day. I go some nice shots that I'll have to post soon...