Antique Lithograph: Women and Child at Play – Meiji Era Japanese Family Scene
€ 320
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Sheet size
36 × 51 cm (14.2 × 20.1 in)
Condition
Fair
Reference
BG-12246-6
What the condition grades mean
Excellent
Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good
Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good
Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair
Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.
Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.
Condition
Fair with general age-related toning and defects from handling, with some yellowing and wear, especially along the edges wiht creases and tears. An open scratch in the image in the top left. Study the scans carefully.
About this sheet
This antique lithograph features a serene domestic scene, likely from the Meiji period, showing two Japanese women in traditional kimonos attending to a young child. The setting appears to be indoors, possibly in a sitting room with sliding doors featuring decorative floral designs in the background. The women are seated on the floor, which is typical in Japanese culture, and the child is engaged in playful activity.
The child, dressed in a richly decorated outfit, is holding a small mallet, perhaps a traditional toy. The two women, possibly the child's mother and nanny, are seated nearby, both with gentle expressions, watching over the child. There is a warmth and tenderness in this family-oriented composition, showcasing the roles of women and the importance of family care in traditional Japanese households.
Translation of the Text: The Japanese text at the bottom reads:
婦婦嫂嬰孩嬢童遊 Translation: "Women and Sisters Playing with the Infant Child"
This text confirms the familial and playful nature of the scene, emphasizing the nurturing roles of the women in the family.
Despite the signs of age, such as some discoloration and creases on the edges, this lithograph remains a delicate representation of everyday life in traditional Japanese culture. The hand-coloring adds a unique charm to the piece, particularly in the child's clothing.
