Page 268 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

331 | RYUKO: A LARGE AND SPECTACULAR
TOKYO SCHOOL OKIMONO
OF A SLEEPING BIJIN
By Ryuko, signed Ryuko
Japan, Tokyo, Meiji period (1868-1912)

A large and impressive okimono depicting a serenely sleeping
bijin (beauty), her head rested on a basket. The girl has fallen
asleep after a harvest and she is in a deep slumber. The artist
has mastered both her exhaustion and beauty impeccably - a
delicate balance of subtle nuances. Her wrist bends over the edge
of the basket, her mouth is slightly opened, and her expression
is sunken. Her facial features are crafted sensitively, showing her
sublime beauty, and one wonders what she might be dreaming.
The garment folds are carved incredibly well, almost coming to life.
Her hair is incised precisely and tied up at the back. One striking
detail is the sandals she is wearing, one of them gently coming off
her extended foot. The shape of the okimono is elegant, further
underlining her beauty. An exceptional masterpiece from the Tokyo
school. The base with two floral mon and the signature in sosho
RYUKO ؁ᆘ.
LENGTH 18.6 cm

Condition: Excellent condition, expected minor age cracks.
Provenance: British collection.
Estimate EUR 5.000,-
Starting price EUR 2.500,-

264 265