A FINE PAIR OF LACQUER VASES WITH SHOJO AND SAKE JARS

A FINE PAIR OF LACQUER VASES WITH SHOJO AND SAKE JARS Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) The wood vases each in the shape of a sake jar rising from a short straight foot to a waisted neck with a broad straight rim with circumferential gold-lacquered characters, the gold-lacquered sake ‘dripping’ irregularly from the neck over the shoulder, the interior with nashiji, each with an inset allowing for use as incense holders, and each with a finely carved and red and gold lacquered figure of a shojo, one seated and holding a fan, the other standing in a dynamic posture and holding a large sakazuki (sake saucer), both wearing elaborately patterned robes and showing cheerful expressions suggesting an advanced stage of inebriation, their feet lacquered in silver. HEIGHT 20.4 cm and 20.5 cm Condition: Overall good condition with some old wear, scattered nicks, and losses to lacquer. One of the vases with a crack. Provenance: French private collection.