Figure of lady, in robes of ceremony. Court lady. Figure of lady, in full theatrical dress
Porcelain figurines. Women in various garments c.18th c.
by George Ashdown Audsley.
(from left to right)
A — Figure of lady, in robes of ceremony, executed in light cream-tinted faience, covered with thin varnish, crackled. The robes are elaborately ornamented with diaper work and floral designs, representing the highly wrought silk brocades worn by the high class natives of Japan. This figure apparently represents a young person, and is remarkable on account of the simple treatment of the hair, which, contrary to usual custom, is shown flowing perfectly free. Height, 21¼ inches.
B — Figure of Court lady, in her most gorgeous ceremonial costume. This piece is in cream-tinted faience, thinly glazed and crackled. The decorations on all the many parts of the costume are of the most elaborate description, and are carefully executed in bright coloured enamels and gold. The most prominent, in point of ornamentation, is the scarf, which is wrought with the mythical ho-ho and flowers, in rich colours upon a black ground, doubtless imitating the superb hand embroideries lavished by the Japanese upon their ceremonial scarfs. Height, 23½ inches. In the possession of P. H. Rathbone, Esq.
C — Figure of lady, in full theatrical dress, modelled in light cream-tinted faience, and most richly and elaborately painted with coloured enamels and gold; much of the latter has been laid on without being fixed by fire. It is impossible, in this short description, to allude to the very numerous modes of enrichment adopted in the ornamentation of the several articles of dress which clothe this figure ; but, in this instance, as in the two previous cases, the accurate workmanship of the plate will supply all deficiencies of verbal description. Height, 21¼ inches. In the possession of W. J. Audsley, Esq.
Source: Keramic art of Japan by George Ashdown Audsley (1838-1925); Lord James Bowes (1834-1899). London : H. Sotheran & co. 1881.
