I bought these figurines in Kyoto in a small antique shop outside the Imperial palace. They tell us something about the casting techniques, social structure and dress of the time.
Two Japanese figurines
Contributed by Antiques Roadshow - Chatsworth
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Comments
The figures have absolutely no relation to "the social structure and dress of the time" - rather they represent the legendary couple Jo (man holding a rake) and Uba (woman holding a broom). After living to old age, their spirits were believed to have entered pine trees on the beach at Takasago in Harima. On moonlit nights their spirits return to clear pine needles, which symbolize longevity. The legend inspired the No play Takasago, as well as a line of celebratory dances in kabuki, known as Takasago mono.