$5,250
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Description
20" (51 cm.) h. including base. 18"w. A stunning tableau, mounted on a raised black lacquer base, depicting a papier mache horse plunging into the cresting carved wooden river currents which are defined by blue, white and gold pigments. The horse, with mane drawn into tied tufts, and decorated with multi-colored trappings, is turned to its left as it struggles with the force of the water, its hind feet kicking out high behind him. Seated on the horse is a mounted figure with round face of wood covered in gofun with painted details and silk hair, wearing rich silk brocade robes in the Chinese style with ruffled hem, silk brocade trousers, and Chinese style-cap. There is restoration to horse's legs and waves. Late Edo/Early Meiji Period, Mid-19th century. Published in Japanese Dolls: The Fascinating World of Ningyo, page 141. One of the most dramatic scenes from the popular Sangokushi (Romance of the the Three Kingdoms) is when the great warrior Gentoku (Ch. Xuande) plunges with his horse into the deep Tan Gorge toward the swift flowing Caoqi River. The drama and the power of the event is beautifully captured here, in striking contrast to the youthful face of the warrior depicted almost in gosho form with rounded head and narrow features.