A Japanese Nara-style carved and painted wood figure of a flute-playing Apsara The Apsara, in the manner of the Nara period carvings at the Horyo-Ji, seated on a lotus before an elaborate scrolled aureole, later iron and wood mount. NOTE: The present lot may possibly be by Niiro Chunosuke or his workshop. Two related examples were sold at Koller Auctions, Zurich, December 4, 2017, lot 335, where it was noted that Chunosuke was responsible for conservation and restoration of the main hall of the Horyu-Ji in 1906. Approx. of H: 19 in., 48.3 cm PROVENANCE: Acquired in Europe by previous owner by repute. Koller Auction, 1982 Lot 804.