$5,000
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sold

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Description
18" (46 cm.) and 14". Posed side-by-side on a wooden base are the Imperial Couple, each with carved wooden ball-shaped head having gofun finish with distinctive line and dot facial painting, and black painted hair under human hair. The man has flattened tall body with tunic arranged as though his arms were extended, and the costume stiffened to permanent shape while the woman, scaled considerably smaller, has a stiffened cylinder form that represents her costume. Each costume is of fine silk with rich embroidery representing the three friends of winter, namely pine, plum and bamboo (sho-chiku-bai) and symbolizing longevity. The pair is presented on wooden base. Excellent condition. Edo period, in the style of the Kyoto doll artist, Jirozaemon, circa 1850. An especially large size for this style, known as Tachi-bina; see also #57 and #58 of this book. This pair is featured in Japanese Dolls by Alan Scott Pate, page 66.