Mid-1800s Japanese Wooden Takeda in Fine Original Kabuki Costume

Live Auction

16 1/2" (42 cm.) Carved wooden head and hands with lustrous gofun finish, painted facial features, smiling expression, aquiline nose, painted feathering of hair around the forehead edges, sculpted hair in upswept fashion with arranged silk fiber coiffure and hair ornaments, posed sideways, wearing lavish kimono of red silk crepe (chirimen) with rich embroidery of leaves and large white bellflowers on the sleeves, silk brocade sleeveless outer coat, and with fan and hand drum. Standing upon a carved wooden boat with painted waves along the side, and overall mounted on a wooden base with gold feet, inset fabric panel. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: Edo Period, circa 1850, the figure represents a man playing a female role (onnagata) from an unidentified kabuki performance. Value Points: dramatic presentation with wonderfully-preserved features and costume.