Lot 464: A bronze figural group of two mythological sea-creatures By Oshima Joun (1858-1940), Meiji Period

By Oshima Joun (1858-1940), Meiji Period
Constructed in three separate sections, the figures comprising two fabulous sea-creatures of almost human form, standing on a base of rocks on spumy waves, both naked, save for their mugwort skirts, applied with assorted seashells in relief, one creature wearing an elaborate headdress in the form of a winged fish, holding a portable figure of Amida Nyorai, his companion with his arms outstretched (vessel missing), all set on a rectangular plinth with corner brackets in the form of a pair of dragons with a tama, in turn resting on an inswept base supported by four mask feet, the underside signed with seal Ichijoken Joun with Kao. The figures 24cm and 28cm (9½in and 11in) high, the base 17cm x 30½cm (6 5/8in x 11¾in). (3).

??? ????? ???? ????

Compare the quality and several elements in the decoration of this piece with the famous massive bronze group depicting the emissaries of Ryujin, the Dragon King of the Sea presenting the Jewel of the Tides to Takenouchi no Sukune by Oshima Joun and others, made for the Second National Industrial Exposition of 1881, illustrated by Oliver Impey and Malcolm Fairley, The Dragon of the Sea, Japanese Decorative art of the Meiji period from the John R. Young collection, p.32, no.11.

Ichijoken was a go used by Oshima Joun.