East Asia, Japan, Meiji era, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A large okimono statue of a musician playing a shamisen, cast from a copper alloy. The musician balances one foot on his box, his face radiating a cheerful and playful expression. He is dressed in traditional clothing with a cap and rope sandals, with a parasol secured to his back. The shamisen originally had individual wire strings, which are now missing. A square stamp with characters is present on the verso of the box, and the statue is attributed to the Seiya Genryusai workshop. A modern base has been added for stability. Size: 14.75" W x 24.5" H (37.5 cm x 62.2 cm)
Genryusai Seiya was a Japanese bronze sculptor active during the Meiji period (1868-1912). He was the head of the Seiya workshop, which specialized in producing high-quality bronze sculptures, particularly okimono (decorative figures) and jardinieres (ornamental plant containers). His works often depicted animals, mythological figures, and samurai in dynamic and finely detailed compositions. Seiya's pieces were highly sought after, both in Japan and internationally, as they exemplified the intricate craftsmanship of Meiji-era metalwork. Many of his sculptures were exported to the West, catering to the growing demand for Japanese art during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Provenance: private Los Angeles, California, USA collection, acquired from 1990 to 2005
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#192625
Condition
Small loss to the corner of the plucking tool in his hand. Missing the strings on the instrument. Mounted to a modern base.