Ɏ MITSUMASA: A CHARMING IVORY OKIMONO OF A BLIND MASSEUR (AMMA) WITH A GEISHA CLIENT AND CAT

拍品描述

Ɏ MITSUMASA: A CHARMING IVORY OKIMONO OF A BLIND MASSEUR (AMMA) WITH A GEISHA CLIENT AND CAT By Mitsumasa, signed Mitsumasa Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) Finely carved as a blind masseur standing on a flat base and gently kneading the shoulders of a seated geisha. The amma is shown slightly stooped, with the characteristic swelling to his forehead and a broad, cheerful expression, his robes intricately incised and stained with sumi, and a tobacco pouch and ashtray suspended from his belt. The geisha, seated beside a small box and holding a mirror, wears an elaborately patterned kimono densely decorated with repeating floral motifs, while her carefully arranged coiffure and refined appearance evoke the cultivated world of the pleasure quarters. A playful cat curls affectionately at her feet, lending the intimate domestic scene a humorous and charming note. Signed underneath MITSUMASA. HEIGHT 9 cm Massage occupied an important place in traditional Japanese medicine and was commonly practiced by blind itinerant specialists known as amma. The present composition humorously brings this familiar figure into the refined private world of a geisha, whose elaborate kimono, coiffure, mirror, and feline companion suggest a moment of relaxation and personal grooming away from her public duties. Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number FR2506900702-K). This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

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