Antique Japanese Kutani Bijin Musician With Shime-daiko, Meiji C. 1890

Late Meiji porcelain figure of a bijin in a dark-blue kimono, holding a small shime-daiko; attributed to the Kutani school (Ishikawa). Polychrome overglaze enamels with gilding; a saturated cobalt ground with sakura blossoms and the asanoha motif; white cartouches with miniature landscapes. Finely drawn facial features, refined shimada hairstyle and a poised stance typical of higher-quality export work. Unmarked underside, consistent with early exports. A desirable combination of generous size, rich palette and musical subject.                                                                                                                                                                     Dimensions and weight: Height 24.5 cm; width 8.7 cm; depth 9 cm; weight 723 g.                                                                                                                                                                       Condition: Fine hairline crack above the left eyebrow; tips of the shoes professionally retouched; professional restoration to the neck beneath the hair, visible only under UV light. Otherwise excellent antique condition; enamels and gilding well preserved.                                                                                                                                                                             Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance.