East Asia, Japan, Edo Period, ca. first half of the 19th century CE. This is a handsome hand painted wooden carving of a seated nobleman, with good remains of most pigments. The figure is made from 8 pieces - the arms and hands attach to the large torso piece and legs as he sits feet together facing forward with an unrolled scroll or paper upon his lap, dressed in billowing robes, his oversized sleeve covering his hands. His calm visage has full red lips, petite nose, narrow eyes highlighted in black under thin brows, and his hair is pulled into a top knot, complete with a hair stick through the base. His skin is a pale white, and the robes are a maroon red with white scrolling flower patterns across the surface, emphasizing the richness of his clothing. This nobleman may be a representation of Prince Shotoku Taishi (574 to 622 CE), a fervent follower of Buddhism and renowned for modernizing the governmental administration of Japan. Size: 5" L x 4" W x 4.5" H (12.7 cm x 10.2 cm x 11.4 cm); 5.5" H (14 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Evergreen, Colorado, USA collection; ex-private Denver, Colorado, USA, collection, acquired 1960 to 2000

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#168645

Constructed from 8 separate pieces, the seams and joint fissures are visible where the paint has chipped away. Losses, chipping, and fading to paint, but good remains throughout. Surface abrasions and some chips on wood, but intact and overall good condition. Mounted on a newer wooden base with a felt pad for stability. Lovely, aged patina throughout.