Washi, mizu-hoshi, gofun. Square panel. Ancient Japanese hina dolls. This is a depiction of the Uchiuri-hina dolls. These dolls are modeled after the Emperor and Empress, and are displayed on the top row of the Hina-dan. The current arrangement seems to have taken root around the beginning of the Taisho and Showa eras, when the Emperor was lined up on the left and the Empress on the right, following the Western arrangement. The frame of the panel is covered with washi paper with a pattern of a traditional Japanese color. Nihonga" is based on a style of painting that has existed for more than 1,000 years, and uses traditional materials that have been cultivated throughout history. The technique involves painting on Japanese paper, silk, wood, etc., using natural pigments such as sumi ink, iwa-enogu (mineral pigments), gofun (gofun), etc., and glue (nikawawa) as an adhesive. Gold and other metal materials (gold leaf, etc.) are also used. Iwa-enogu, made from ores, is a beautiful, sand-like powder. Mizuhigure, made from clay, is a fine, stretchy paint with fine particles. Artificial versions of iwa-enogu and mizuhoshi egur are also made, and are available in a wide variety of colors. Goko, made from shells, is a white pigment with fine particles.