This
Meiji era okimono is a wonderful example of the depiction of the mise-en-scenes
from common life that became very popular during g the Meiji era in the late 19th
and early 20th century.
Here
a young boy tries to catch a goose that has excitedly flown up into his father’s
arms. The father is dressed in traditional farmer’s clothes indicated by the breastplate
and loincloth made of straw. The father’s vital countenance expresses gentle joy
and amusement. The boy wears a loose kimono rendered with attention to the natural
folds and falls of the cloth. Simple ornamentation is found on the kimonos of
both father and son. The filial pair express a well-fed contentment: a simple
life rendered in rich moments.
The gooses feather's are magnificent and there is a most elegant arch to
the beak and neck as though this fine fowl's next escape is towards the heavens.
The
artist's signature is at the bottom of the figurine. There is also a decorative
motif on the ivory vein mark indicative of the detailed artistry of the statue.
The statue is in excellent condition except for the goose’s left chipped wing.
(SD)
