Fourth tier decoration
Fourth Tier Decoration
This tier features two samurai guards, along with accessories such as Hishi-dai and Zen-zoroe.
Zuijin (Imperial Archer Retainers)
Zuijin were traditionally archer retainers who served as ceremonial guards during imperial processions. The younger guard on the right is called Udaijin (Right Minister), and the elder on the left is Sadaijin (Left Minister). Their contrasting expressions symbolize youth and age, vigor and wisdom.
Their accessories include swords, bows, arrows, and court caps.
Zen-zoroe (Court Dining Set)
Zen-zoroe refers to a traditional court dining set used in Hina doll displays. These sets reflect the noble etiquette of the Heian period. The version shown here is called Kakeban-zen, in which dishes are elegantly suspended on a wooden frame.
This style is called Chō-ashi-zen, known for its long-legged frame.
The typical five-piece set includes:
1: Ōtsubo (large bowl)
2: Ōhira (flat dish)
3: Takatsuki (pedestal dish)
4: Ii-wan (rice bowl)
5: Shiru-wan (soup bowl)
Hishi-dai (Diamond Rice Cake Stand)
Hishi-dai is a decorative stand for hishi-mochi—diamond-shaped rice cakes layered in symbolic colors. The traditional three-color set includes white (snow), green (sprouting leaves), and pink (blossoms). Some five-color versions add yellow (moon) and red (sun), symbolizing the full cycle of nature and the coming of spring.