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| Two Standing Female Figures |
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| Japan, Saga Prefecture; Edo period (1615-1867), about 1670 - 1690 |
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| Porcelain painted with overglaze enamels, one figure also with traces of gold (Arita ware, Kakiemon style) |
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| Each, H. 15 1/2 in. (39.4 cm) |
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| Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection of Asian Art |
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| 1979.239, 1979.240 |
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| Kakiemon-style porcelain sculptures, particularly of beautifully coiffed and attired courtesans, seem to have been favored by European consumers. These two figures are sporting the popular fashion trends of the Kanbun era (1661-1673) in both their hairstyle and dress. One figure wears an outer kimono with a design of large chrysanthemum blossoms floating atop a winding stream, and the other figure wears one with a decoration of delicate flower sprays. Both of their inner dresses (kimono) are decorated with a scrolling vine motif, but with the red/white coloring in reverse. Beautiful women (bijin) as an artistic motif were popularized by ukiyo-e paintings and woodblock prints. |
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