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Hi...I have 9 Japanese processional watercolours that I would dearly love to know more about. The condition of some of them is awful, but some are OK and none are beyond restoration because the painted areas aren't affected, and they could be laid and the damaged paper restored/disguised.

Although I have 9, they were apparently part of a larger group because they're all numbered and I have nos 9, 10, 13, 15(?), 17, 18, 20, 22 and 26.

Those numbers are on helpful little labels verso, that are usefully written in English. But for all they're in English, the significance of what is said, and of what the wcs are, is not clear. Or at least, it's not clear to me, beyond that it looks like they may be a record of a real processional cultural event. Or are they illustrative of just generalised carnival type floats to no specific purpose? Are they worth researching properly? And what would I need to look up to try to research them? Any advice would be great.

I'm including 3 pictures of just one of the watercolours (No.10, a bad condition one), showing the entirety, closer detail and the label to show the note form detail written there.

The no 9 label says: Dashi Tortoise shape, pine tree, water and Ringun Castle.
The no 10 label says: Dashi lantern shape Pine Bamboo Plum Emblems of long life Musicians
The no 13 label says: Hichi za theatre offering to the Emperor of ? curios (?) from Prince Ringer (or Ringu)
The no 15 (or another 13) says: Dashi Hiye octopus inside offering to emperor of ball from Prince Ringer.
The no 17 says: Supposed......Prince Y.....in pine......
The no 18 says: Dashi religious symbols, sticks with metal rings to attract the God sacred paper and stand for scripture.
The no 20 says: Dashi with huge basket of white and red peonies.
The no 22 says: Dashi representing finest sword artifice known in Japan. "An Emperor's" son.
The no 26: Dashi white red peony cherry posturing.

What does all that actually signify?

Advice really appreciated Thanks Jo

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