Okimono, ivory. Japan, Meiji, (1868 – 1912)
Small, nicely-shaped figure of a bijin, detailed and exact composition, just as seen in Japanese color woodblock prints of Ukiyo-e. The composition is extremely precise and animated, the lady wears a long, multi-pleated robe with decorative patterns, the hairstyle is complexly designed, bound and held with hairpin kanzashi (with a small coral bead) and comb kushi. In one hand, bijin holds a folding fan, her feet on special geta, which allow her to walk unsoiled through muddy streets. The very well worked piece has some flawed areas resp. additions.
HEIGHT 9 CM
From an old German collection