By Eishin, signed Eishin Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)
A charming scene of everyday life with many fine details, depicting an old woman with three children, two young boys and a girl, collecting shells, all with neatly incised patterned robes and expressive faces. They have two full baskets already, and several inlaid shells can be found on the ground, but something else has caught their attention: a fish flailing on the ground, fighting for its life. The curious children seem quite fascinated by the fish, and the old woman must restrain one of the boys who is trying to run towards it. All on a naturalistic base, signed EISHIN within a rectangular red-lacquered reserve on the underside.
HEIGHT 14.5 cm
Condition: Excellent condition with only few minor traces of wear. Provenance: British collection.
Auction comparison: Compare with a related okimono by the same artist, sold by Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 16 May 2013, London, lot 327 (sold for 3,750 GBP).