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Lot 2:
Description
A trio of Japanese figurines comprising two cream-coloured carved figures and one dark patinated metal figure. The leftmost figure depicts a scholar or monk leaning over a desk, possibly sleeping or writing, with incised robes highlighted in dark pigment. The central figure is a cast metal sage, likely bronze with a dark brown patina, depicted seated in voluminous robes and a scholar’s cap. The rightmost figure is a carved sage, identified as Jurojin, shown crouching with a staff and gourd; this piece includes two functional himotoshi holes on the reverse identifying it as a netsuke. The cream-coloured items are carved from bone or a high-quality resin composite, displaying surface textures consistent with natural bone or aged synthetic materials. The metal figure shows traditional casting techniques. Three small incised characters are present on the reverse of the right-hand figure, though they are currently illegible.
Heights: 3.2 cm to 3.8 cm.
Condition report:
All three items exhibit a buildup of surface dust and dirt within the carved and cast recesses. The cream-coloured figures show significant surface staining, discolouration, and visible surface pitting on the heads and shoulders. The leftmost figure displays fine hairline age-related cracks around the base and back. The metal figure shows minor surface wear and rubbing at the high points, revealing a slightly lighter metal tone beneath the patina.
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