Two tall Imari bijin (beauties)


Edo period (1615-1868), circa 1700Each painted in underglaze blue and iron-red and gilt, each standing, her hair elaborately arranged with a loop at the back and dressed with a comb at the front, with one hand holding up the hem of her garment, her body twisted as she looks slightly to her right, one wearing a kimono decorated with chrysanthemums growing along the banks of stream and an under-robe with peonies, 57cm (22 5/8in) high; the other wearing a kimono decorated with pine and plum and an under-robe with chrysanthemums; 59cm (23¼in) high. (2).