A gilt-bronze figure of a torioi (travelling female singer and shamisen player) By Miyao Eisuke of Yokohama, Meiji era (1868-1912), late 19th/early 20th century Standing in high geta (clogs), wearing the characteristic torioi amigasa, a woven reed hat shaped like a half moon partially concealing her face, plucking her shamisen with a plectrum, her kimono carved with stylised flowers, fixed on a rectangular stand decorated with karakusa ('Chinese grasses'); signed Miyao Ei on the obi within a rectangular reserve. Overall height: 23cm (9in) high.