Superb Japanese Edo (Early 19thc) Bronze Sculptue by Nakao Munesada

19th century

Sold by Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Description

Exquisite Japanese Edo (early 19thC) bronze figure, which was originally part of a large vase by Nakao Munesada (d 1835), a metal artist working in Osaka in the late Edo period. The original vase depicted two karako (Chinese children), one of which is trapped in a large jar/vat. The bronze figure on offer depicts Shiba Onko wielding a rock to break the vat to drain it and set his friend free. 11.5cm high x 10cm wide x 4.5cm deep, 0.6kg.

The iconography of boys and a large jar refers to the story of Shiba Onko, a famous statesman and historian of the Han Dynasty. As a child it was said that he and his companions were watching fish in a huge jar when one of them fell in but whilst the rest of his playmates ran away leaving the child to drown, Shiba Onko used a rock to break the jar to drain out the water and set his friend free. This episode was a popular theme among Edo-period artists as a parable of virtuous behaviour.

Excellent condition and patina.

Physical Dimensions

Height

11.5cm (4.53")

Width

10cm (3.94")

Depth

4.5cm (1.77")

Declaration

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art has dated this piece to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1141992

Dealers Internal Reference

471A

Description

Exquisite Japanese Edo (early 19thC) bronze figure, which was originally part of a large vase by Nakao Munesada (d 1835), a metal artist working in Osaka in the late Edo period.

“

The original vase depicted two karako (Chinese children), one of which is trapped in a large jar/vat.

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

The bronze figure on offer depicts Shiba Onko wielding a rock to break the vat to drain it and set his friend free. 11.5cm high x 10cm wide x 4.5cm deep, 0.6kg.

fig 1. Superb Japanese Edo (early 19thC) Bronze Sculptue by Nakao Munesada — fig 1. Superb Japanese Edo (Early 19thc) Bronze Sculptue by Nakao Munesada

The iconography of boys and a large jar refers to the story of Shiba Onko, a famous statesman and historian of the Han Dynasty. As a child it was said that he and his companions were watching fish in a huge jar when one of them fell in but whilst the rest of his playmates ran away leaving the child to drown, Shiba Onko used a rock to break the jar to drain out the water and set his friend free. This episode was a popular theme among Edo-period artists as a parable of virtuous behaviour.

Excellent condition and patina.