Faux Ivory Asian Empress Celluloid Statue

There's a local antiques shop I visit once in a while, however, it is a rare occasion when I purchase anything from this particular shop because her prices are astronomically high and in my opinion, are more than the item's actually worth or would realize at auction.  

Over the past year, each time I visited, I pondered over whether or not to purchase this faux ivory celluloid statue, or perhaps figurine would be a better word since it's only 13 3/4" high, and each time I passed on it due to the price.

I have a particular affinity for the Buddhist bodhisattva of compassion Guanyin, aka Kwan Yin, and thought perhaps this statue was a Japanese representation of her, so I haggled with her since I was not willing to pay her $50 asking price, yet did want the statue, so offered her $25 for it and she obliged, however, after purchase and doing some research, it appears that the figure is not of Kwan Yin, but an empress, or empress dowager.

  I thought this celluloid statue could be Kwan Yin because she stands on a lotus, something that's traditionally associated with Buddhist icons, and also that her left hand appears to be in Abhaya mudra, yet, the fact that she bears a wrapped gift has thrown me off since I have never seen, nor ever heard of any representations of Guanyin carrying a wrapped gift, nor is there any similar symbolism in Buddhism that I am aware of, so that concludes that the figure is not of Kwan Yin, but of an empress.    Having done a little further research, I believe I have the answer as to why this figure stands on a lotus, and that is because many past empresses have become Buddhist nuns after their tenure as empress.

I originally thought the statue was Japanese in origin, but having asked around for assistance in identifying and translating the marks, it appears that it may not be Japanese.   One source told me that it's sloppy and a mess, making it difficult to translate, and another via Asian Art Forums, one of those self proclaimed "expert" types with no credibility claims that it's fake Japanese writing, so, as a result, I'm unable to determine its origins.  Not that he may not be correct, just the manner in which it was stated, which appeared hostile to me, and the fact that he has no history on the forum other than one similar hostile comment to another user.

Maybe it's Korean, or perhaps Chinese, or even European made as another user in another post on Asian Art Forums thinks it was made in Italy, although that possibility raises yet another question, if so, why would they put "fake" Japanese writing on it.  Perhaps the person carving the mold was illiterate, or perhaps it's the maker's "style", although very unlikely.

This celluloid statue leaves me with so many unanswered questions, nevertheless, I do like the piece very much, regardless of its age or origins.

The statue is affixed to a painted ceramic base, has a 2 character marking on the back that appears to look similar to でが, translated as dega(s), yet makes no sense whatsoever, and the strokes are way off, so I seriously doubt that's what it is. On the bottom is another marking, which nobody has been able to decipher.

I believe it's 1920s - 1940s.

If anyone reading this has answers for me, please do comment.

pp 27 est?

Edo Period Arita Akae Imari Japanese Porcelain Jar / 有田焼赤絵伊万里焼

This is one of the pieces from yesterday's treasure hunt I wrote about in my last post, purchased from an antiques dealer in Salem, Massachusetts, who had absolutely no idea whatsoever what it is, which was fortunate for me since I picked it up at an exceptionally low price.   Unfortunately it is missing the lid, but that's fine with me.    I really love this piece.

  It is a Japanese Arita Akae Imari porcelain ginger jar measuring approximately 6 1/2" tall and 3 1/2" dia. base, & 3" mouth.  Arita being where it was made, Akae is the name for the style, and Imari being the port of export.

The only marking is a small "Ri" リ on the mouth of the jar.  As of this posting, I have no idea what it represents.   Unfortunately I'm unable to narrow its age down to a specific date range at this time although I estimate it to be in the range of late Edo period 1850s to early-mid Meiji period 1880s.

 

 

 

Hunting for Asian Art & Antique Treasures Is Only Half The Fun

Today I went out on an Asian art and antiques treasure hunt as I customarily do once every few weeks and I am very pleased with today's finds. Matter of fact, I am extremely happy..

Today's Asian Art and Antiques Finds.

  It's not every day when you get to find a special piece that brightens up your day, but whenever I do find something to add to my collection, it makes me very happy.  

Hunting for Asian art and antiques  is only half the fun.  Browsing around the shelves of thrift stores, rummage sales, yard sales, and yes, even antiques stores, can often be disappointing when you don't find anything you like, or even worse, do find something you like and want, but is way out of your budget, but when you do find something, your eyes widen, your jaw drops and you excitedly pick something up that brings a big smile to your face.  I love it, but like I said, it's only half the fun.

I'm always so excited with my new found treasures and eagerly begin researching each piece, such as maker, age, period, and yes, even its estimate market value, although I have no intentions whatsoever of selling my collection, however, my daughter may wish to do so later on down the road when I'm dead, so I make sure I record everything, just in case.

Researching is exciting and offers an overwhelmingly satisfying learning experience of so many different things, like different cultures, history, production processes, about various artists and makers and so much more, and yes, even with languages too. 

  Collecting is about what you like... what you enjoy..  The pieces that put a smile on your face, the little finds that excite you and make you happy.   You do it because it's fun and you value the rewarding experiences that come with it, and the educational experiences acquired through researching your finds.  Sure it's also naturally rewarding to find a valuable piece too, but monetary value shouldn't be the primary motive in my opinion.. The hunt is only half the fun.

  Some people collect only very old pieces, others like to collect more modern pieces only a few decades old.. but no matter what your tastes and preferences, art is art and should all be appreciated.   There is nothing more distasteful than another so called collector with a negative attitude who makes hasrh remarks against other collectors because said collector's pieces are "worthless", or "crap" in her pseudo-expert, self righteous opinion.  (Yes, I'm talking about you Jennifer Hansen.  You're a scumbag full of BS and everyone knows it!)

  Just because some self proclaimed "serious collector" with a bad attitude says your piece is crap, does not mean it's crap.  To you it is treasure..  your latest find, that brings a smile to your face... that made you happy and filled you with joy and eagerness to find out more about it.   As the old adage goes, "One man's trash is another man's treasure".

Happy hunting and have fun doing what you love.