Image: Rodrigo Encinas

During Japan’s Edo period, which stretched from the early 17th century to the mid-1800s, wealthy families would buy Karakuri—little self operating dolls or toys that served tea and shot arrows. Here, you can see how one works—this one’s called the tumbling doll:

Read full story here:  Before Robots, Japan Had Tiny Dolls That Tumbled Down Stairs And Served Tea | Smart News.