Japan. Meiji period. Ca. 1900. Wood with dark blue resp. green lacquer, inlays in Shibayama style with ivory, mother-of-pearl and coral. Framed in Western type with gold frames. On each panel three elegant ladies dressed in the elaborate style of the Tang dynasty with fluttering bands. These tennin, like the Western angels, are living in heavenly realms and make music. Here they are shown with drums, a flute and a mouth organ, one is holding a large lotus flower. Above them on each panel a large h?? bird and flowering twigs of paulownia (kiri) - a symbol of peace.
The motifs are worked with much and fine detail in costly materials. The faces of the ladies are portrait-like, their hair is done up elaborately with hairpins and jewels. A masterpiece of art of the Meiji period. Each height 181cm, width 88,5cm. Sign.: Mizu. Seal: Nait?. Condition A/B.
Provenance: -Private collection Spain. -Private collection Germany, since ca. 2002.
Please note that objects made of ivory, rhinoceros horn and turtle shell, due to Cites regulations can only be sold within the European Community. At present the export in third countries is prohibited.