A VERY RARE PAIR OF 17TH CENTURY JAPANESE EDO PERIOD KAKIEMON FIGURES modelled embellished in foliage and motifs. Largest 17 cm high. Note: Figurines of this type were oriental curiosities destined for European palaces and grand homes in the seventeenth century. Standing figurines were produced in press moulds in large numbers, Unusually, no two figures were painted with the same kimono pattern. Such ladies were commonly referred to as 'Kanbun Beauties', after the Kanbun era (1661-1673) when they were first made, although the production continued right up to the 1680's.