Netsuke - Ono No Komachi Seated On A Sotoba - Wood - Edo Period

Wooden netsuke depicting the poet Ono no Komachi in her old age, sitting on a fallen tree trunk.
A legendary Japanese poet from the Heian period, she was considered to be of rare beauty and would become the symbol of the beautiful woman in Japan. However, some works such as this netsuke depict her in the twilight of her life.

Having lost her splendor in her old age and being abandoned by her former lovers, she wanders around barefoot and alone.
This description is influenced by Buddhist thought and probably bears no resemblance to historical reality.
However, her radiant expression here suggests a happy acceptance of the Buddhist concept of impermanence.

Japan, Edo period / early 19th century.
Superb patina. Note, however, a lack in the upper part of the stick held by Ono no Komachi in her right hand, and a little wear on the upper part of the hat.
Presence of an old collector's label under the base.
We will notice the finesse of the sculpture which is teeming with details, whether it is its particularly realistic wrinkled face, its emaciated bust which can be guessed under its clothes, or the grain of the wood and the leaves of trees lying at the feet of the poetess.

Dimensions:
Height: 3.5 cm
Width: 3.8 cm

The shipment is neat and will be done the day after receipt of payment.