OGAWA HARITSU (RITSUO) (1663-1747)A PAIR OF RARE WOOD SCULPTURES OF NIO EDO PERIOD, LATE 17TH - EARLY 18TH CENTURY EACH SEALED RITSUO |

the kongorishiki figures are carved from dark-stained softwood with oil litharge lacquer decoration to the skirts; each bears the seal Ritsuo in takamaki-e under the skirt, the figure of Misshaku kongo is open-mouthed whereas Naraen kongo has his mouth closed, they symbolise the first and last syllables of the Sanskrit alphabet, Ah and Un (Hum) thus forming the opening and closing of the universe, the mantra of all existence: Om

Dr. Ernest Hart, London, Siegfried Bing, Paris,

Charles Gillot, Paris,

Auctioned by Maître Paul Chevallier for Galeries de MM. Durand-Ruel, Paris, in February 1904,

Repurchased by Gillot's widow,

Ancienne Collection Charles Gillot (1853-1903), Christie's, Paris, 4-5 March 2008

Siegfried Bing, Le Japon Artistique, Vol. 2, p. 141 Galeries de MM. Durand-Ruel, Collection Ch. Gillot, Objets d'Art et Peintures d'Extreme-Orient (Paris, 1904), pp. 38 - 39.

Overall these are in fine condition, with some small areas of restoration, with some wear and slight cracks to the wood.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

In 1888 these sculptures were in the collection of English collector Dr. Ernest Hart who wrote in Siegfried Bing's Le Japon Artistique the sculptures were identified as being by Ritsuo. In 1904 when offered in the Paris sale, Galeries de MM. Durand-Ruel, the seals had become obscured and were dated as Kamakura period. This dating was followed in the 2008 sale. Recently the obscured seals were discovered, revealing their true attribution after over 100 years. For details of the signature and seals see Wrangham, E. A., The Index of Inro Artists (Northumberland, 1995), pp.211-213.