• Width:
  6 Inches
• Height:
  11 Inches
• Period:
  19th Century
• Origin:
  Asia

A young girl helps her brother with his sandal in this delightful Japanese ivory and bronze sculpture. A superb example of Japan's Meiji period, during which time artists created exceptional works of both fine and decorative art, this figure is distinguished by exquisite detail, from the fully carved parasol to the children's cast bronze robes. Set upon a wooden base, this figure is truly outstanding. During Japan's Meiji period (1868-1912), an incredibly diverse range of high quality metal arts was produced. During the 19th century, and particularly after the prohibition of the wearing of swords in 1873, the boundaries inhibiting this most traditional Japanese craft and its artists were lifted. Instead of fashioning swords and sword fittings for the aristocracy of Japan, artisans were encouraged to produce decorative arts that the government exported for reasons of prestige and as a valuable source of foreign currency. Sculpture then gained renewed social recognition while maintaining its exceptionally high quality. Circa 1880 6" wide x 11" high