Second tier decoration
Second Tier Display
The second tier features the three court ladies (Sannin Kanjo). In a standard seven-tier display, a Takatsuki stand is often placed between them. In more elaborate setups with stairs, this tier may instead feature Hishi-dai or Kaioke decorations.
Three Court Ladies (Sannin Kanjo)
These ladies serve the Emperor and Empress. The lady in the center is usually shown without eyebrows, indicating that she is married. In older styles, she may also have had blackened teeth (ohaguro), but nowadays she is more often depicted with white teeth.
▶︎ [Go to Three Court Ladies Page]
Their accessories typically include a long-handled sake pourer in the front, a sake pitcher (hisage) to the rear left, and a Sanpō tray with a cup on the right. The lady on the right, holding both hands together, usually carries the long-handled pourer; the left lady holds the pitcher. In many regions, the seated court lady carries the Sanpō, while in Kansai and other areas, she may instead hold a pine-decorated Shimadai stand.
▶︎ [Go to Accessories for Court Ladies]
Takatsuki (Pedestal Stand)
These pedestal stands hold red and white round mochi (rice cakes), representing celebration and wishes for harmony and completeness in life.
▶︎ [Go to Takatsuki Stand Page]
Hishi-dai (Diamond Rice Cake Stand)
The Hishi-dai holds stacked diamond-shaped rice cakes (hishi-mochi). The colors symbolize nature: white for snow, green for new growth, and pink for spring blossoms. In five-tier types, yellow may symbolize the moon, and red the sun. The color sequence and meanings may vary by time and region. In seven-tier displays, Hishi-dai is usually placed on the fourth tier. In displays with stairs or in three-tier/prince-only sets, it is often placed in front of the Imperial Couple.