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Standing Female Figure

About 1670-1690

Saga Prefecture, Japan

Porcelain painted with overglaze enamels (Arita ware, Kakiemon style)

H. 15 1/2 x W. 6 x D. 5 in. (39.4 x 15.2 x 12.1 cm)

Asia Society, New York: Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection, 1979.240

Provenance

John D. Rockefeller 3rd, New York, NY; acquired from K.J. Hewett, London, England, August 1964.

The Asia Society, New York, NY, bequest of John D. Rockefeller 3rd, New York, NY, 1979.


Licensing inquiries

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.