JAPON, EPOQUE EDO, XVIIIEME SIECLE

Figurines of this type were curiosities destined for European palaces and fine homes in the seventeenth century. Standing figurines were produced in press moulds in large numbers. The only variations occur in the hands, which were slip cast and added separately. Remarkably, no two were painted with the same kimono pattern to individualize each model. Such ladies are commonly called Kanbun beauties, after the Kanbun era (1661-73) when they were first made, although the production probably continued into the 1680s. The distinctive manner of wearing the hair pulled up in an elaborate topknot bound around an ornamental hairpin and tied with white ribbons was pioneered by ladies in the imperial palace but was soon adopted by courtesans.

For similar examples see M. Cohen and W. Motley, Mandarin and Menagerie, Chinese and Japanese Export Ceramic Figures, Reigate, 2008, pp. 98, 5. and another one in the collection of Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller, see Denise Leidy, Treasures of Asian Art: The Asia Society's Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection (New York: The Asia Society Galleries, 1994), fig. 263.

See a close figure sold at Christie's New York, 21 January 2016, lot 39.