A fine and rare partially-gilt bronze figure of a dancer
By Miyao Eisuke, Meiji Period
In the role of a shirabyoshi, posturing as she performs a ritual dance, holding an open fan, decorated with young pines by a stream and with a gohei (detachable) strapped to her back, she turns to the left wearing an eboshi and floral head-dress, her elaborate costume engraved with scrolling foliage and with a variety of gilt medallions in relief, variously cast with ho-o birds, dragons, peonies, leaping carp and plum blossom, her face copper-patinated, signed on a gilt tablet Miyao zo. 42.8cm (17in) high. (2).
In the role of a shirabyoshi, posturing as she performs a ritual dance, holding an open fan, decorated with young pines by a stream and with a gohei (detachable) strapped to her back, she turns to the left wearing an eboshi and floral head-dress, her elaborate costume engraved with scrolling foliage and with a variety of gilt medallions in relief, variously cast with ho-o birds, dragons, peonies, leaping carp and plum blossom, her face copper-patinated, signed on a gilt tablet Miyao zo. 42.8cm (17in) high. (2).
Sold for
£20,000
inc. premium
Footnotes
- 銅置物 白拍子様踊り子 宮尾栄助作 明治時代
Shirabyoshi were young female dancers and professional singers from ancient times, the most famous of whom were Shizuka Gozen, the concubine of Minamoto no Yoshitsune, and Otoke Gozen, the heroine from the epic story, Heike Monogatari. They would normally be depicted with Heian period hair-styles whereas the present example has a coiffure of the later 19th century.
Category: Asian Art / Japanese Art
Auction terms and conditions
Contacts
Suzannah Yip
Bonhams
Work
101 New Bond Street
London,
W1S 1SR
United Kingdom
WorkTel:
+44 20 7468 8368
FaxFax: +44 20 7495 5251
Specialist
-
Japanese Art