I bought these figurines in Kyoto in a small antique shop outside the Imperial palace. They tell us something about the casting techniques, social structure and dress of the time.
Two Japanese figurines
Contributed by Antiques Roadshow - Chatsworth
Most of the content on A History of the World is created by the contributors, who are the museums and members of the public. The views expressed are theirs and unless specifically stated are not those of the Ö÷²¥´óÐã or the British Museum. The Ö÷²¥´óÐã is not responsible for the content of any external sites referenced. In the event that you consider anything on this page to be in breach of the site’s House Rules please Flag This Object.
About this object
Click a button to explore other objects in the timeline
- Location
-
Japan
- Period
- Theme
- Size
- Colour
- Material
View more objects from people in Derby.
Podcast
Highlights from the collection
Ö÷²¥´óÐã iD
Ö÷²¥´óÐã navigation
Ö÷²¥´óÐã links
Ö÷²¥´óÐã © 2014 The Ö÷²¥´óÐã is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.
This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.
Comments
The figures have absolutely no relation to "the social structure and dress of the time" - rather they represent the legendary couple Jo (man holding a rake) and Uba (woman holding a broom). After living to old age, their spirits were believed to have entered pine trees on the beach at Takasago in Harima. On moonlit nights their spirits return to clear pine needles, which symbolize longevity. The legend inspired the No play Takasago, as well as a line of celebratory dances in kabuki, known as Takasago mono.