Antique
Japanese Ivory Okimono Dancing
Geisha
Performing Dance
Signed: Ichiyo. Circa: early 20th Century
H 3.5 in.(9cm), W 2 in.(5cm), D 1.25 in.(3cm)
Condition: very good
This graceful Meiji era ivory okimono shows a delicate young geisha in
motion as she dances a traditional fan dance. One foot is raised the other firm
in the back. Her classical kimono is beautifully rendered with an intricate and
very precise floral design. Her obi is layered and textured with a vine design
that mirrors a delicate spine. Tied to the kimono is a silk scarf bumped and textured
in the traditional shibori style, an elaborate dying process were the entire piece
of cloth is systematically tied, dyed and scrunched to create beautiful textured
patterns. The geisha's laquered coiffure is seamlessly rendered and delicately
embellished with exquisite flowers in her hair. Her whitened face is distinctive
giving this statue a particular individualism that evokes more than archetype.
Her fan is symmetrical and poised. The ivory is signed in a square reserve and
is in very good condition. (SD)
Private Collection
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