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Rare Pair Ceramic Screen Holders in Rabbit Form, Meiji browse these categories for related items... All Items: Antiques:Regional Art:Asian:Japanese:Stoneware: Pre 1900: item # 501150 Please refer to our stock # 2B-773 when inquiring.
B & C Antiques P. O. Box 291 Derby, CT 06418 203-929-7312 Guest Book $1,195 for Pair |
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These two beautifully modeled Japanese stoneware hares have special slots cut from their back sides for the sole purpose of holding each end of a Japanese folding screen (“byobu”) to keep it weighted on the floor. Meiji period, ca. 1880. A two character signature mark “Koshun” is impressed into each of the unglazed bases. Both rabbits are finished in a rich creamy off white glaze with very fine overall crackling, and there is a firing hole in the slot. Each rabbit is sitting on its haunches, resting on all four feet, with its head raised and ears lowered back. A varied Asian cultural heritage colors the legends and design motifs associated with the rabbit or hare (“usagi”). Such legends link the animal to the moon, where it is said to pound rice cakes, and to the elixir of immortality. The rabbit also appears in art as one of the twelve animals of the zodiac. These unique “feet” made to hold a Japanese floor screen were called “byobu osae” or “byobu hasami.” The manner in which these foot-weights were used was described by Edward S. Morse in his book “Japanese Homes and Their Surroundings,” originally published in 1885: “When a Japanese screen is unfolded and placed on the floor, various devices are provided to prevent the end panels being swayed by the wind. These devices may be in the shape of some metal figure which acts as a check, or a heavy weight of pottery made in the shape shown in fig. 158, the end of the screen fitting into the slot in the weight.” Foot weights for screens are more typically found in the form of metal mandarin ducks – to find a pair of antique ceramic byobu osae in the shape of rabbits is exceedingly rare. CONDITION is very good, with some nicks and chips which are consistent with age and usage on the floor. Given their rarity and value, such minor blemishes are quite insignificant. DIMENSIONS: 7” (17.8 cm) long, 4 ¾” (12 cm) wide, 5” (12.7 cm) high. |
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