How to store Hina dolls in a box

In order to store Hina dolls safely, it is important to first secure a dedicated storage space in your home.

Since you will need to store not only the dolls but also the folding screens and accessories, you will often need multiple boxes.

It is important to choose a place in your home to store it, away from moisture and direct sunlight .

Humidity can have a detrimental effect on the delicate materials used in Hina dolls, causing mold to form, especially on the kimonos and faces.

In addition, in places where humidity control is difficult, you can take measures against moisture by placing a desiccant inside the box.

If storage space is limited, choose a location that is well ventilated .

If you're using multiple storage boxes, consider the size and shape of the boxes to make sure you have room to fit everything.

When storing things, prioritize the placement of your most important items so that they can be easily retrieved later.

Since Hina dolls are often only displayed once a year, it is important to give them a thorough cleaning before storing them away.

First, let's start by removing the dust.

Use a soft cloth or special brush to gently remove any dust from the surface.

Rough handling is strictly prohibited .

The face and small ornaments are particularly delicate, so clean them gently and carefully.

By thoroughly removing dust, you can prevent dirt from building up during long-term storage.

Next, moisture control is essential.

If you are storing it in a place where humidity is likely to build up, it is a good idea to place a dehumidifier or desiccant inside the box.

This will help prevent mold and discoloration.

Additionally, where you store it after cleaning is also important.

By placing your dolls in a well-ventilated area, you can minimize the effects of humidity.

Special care must be taken when handling Hina dolls.

Human hands contain oils and sweat that cannot be seen with the naked eye , and these can affect the surface of the doll and the kimono.

Therefore, before touching the dolls directly, you should always wash your hands thoroughly and, if possible, wear cloth gloves .

By using cloth gloves, you can avoid damaging the dolls and greatly reduce the risk of getting oils from your hands on them.

In addition, after removing dust, gently wipe the entire doll with a soft cloth .

Particular care must be taken with delicate areas.

Be careful not to use too much force, and handle it gently and with care.

This will help keep the doll in good condition for a long time.

The face of a Hina doll is an especially delicate part.

The faces of many Hina dolls are made of plaster , and if hand oils or sweat get on them, this can cause discoloration and deterioration over time.

Avoid touching your face directly, and if you must, try to hold it by the hair or jewelry if possible.

Also, when storing it, it is important to wrap the face area in tissue paper or soft paper to protect it from dust and moisture.

The face is the most visible part of the doll and is prone to deterioration, so it is important to periodically review the cover and provide appropriate protection.

An important thing to keep in mind when storing Hina dolls is to prevent the kimonos and ornaments from losing their shape .

If you overpack your kimono, it may get wrinkled or your jewelry may get damaged.

When storing, use padding to secure the doll inside the box so it doesn't move around .

The stuffing is made of soft paper and cloth , and is carefully placed so as not to distort the doll's shape.

In addition, it will be even more effective if you fold kimonos carefully and place a protective sheet between them to prevent wrinkles.

Please handle with care to avoid damage during storage.

Since the three court ladies and the lord have different body shapes and sizes, it is necessary to consider a storage method that suits each of them.

Since princes are often larger than normal dolls, storing them lying on their backs allows for efficient use of space.

Small dolls like the Three Court Ladies can be stored lying on their sides , making it easy to fit into the box.

In order to make effective use of limited space, it is important to use an appropriate storage method for each doll.

Also, when storing dolls, it is a good idea to place cloth or paper between dolls in the same box to prevent them from bumping into each other.

If you are storing Hina dolls for a long period of time, it is essential to use an insect repellent .

By putting in an insect repellent, you can prevent dolls and kimonos from being eaten by insects.

There are scented and odorless types of insect repellents, but if you are concerned about the smell, it is best to choose the unscented type.

It is important to place the repellent so that it does not come into direct contact with the doll .

If insect repellent comes into direct contact with dolls or kimonos, it may cause discoloration or deterioration of the material.

You can also protect your dolls for a long time by using the appropriate amount of moth repellent and making sure to replace it once a year.

When decorating a Hina doll, it can sometimes become difficult to remember the order of the parts and components.

By knowing the correct placement of the dolls and prince, the order of the ladies-in-waiting, and the positioning of other decorations, you can create a well-balanced and beautiful arrangement overall.

For example, the princess is usually placed on the right and the prince on the left.

By arranging the three court ladies and other dolls in the appropriate order, the traditional Hina doll display is complete.

By keeping to the correct order and arrangement , you can create a more beautiful display.

Please refer to the reference link for more information on how to arrange them.