SHIP'S FIGUREHEAD Japanese, circa 1855 Asian hardwood, H. 39 1/2 inches
RACES of the original polychrome suggest this American or European gentleman was black-haired and wore an indigo blue jacket. Scientific analysis has shown the figurehead to be made of an Asian hardwood. The artist took evident delight in the masses of wavy hair and mutton chop whiskers of the foreign subject. The robustly carved costume and the facial features of the man are similar to those of traders depicted in Japanese prints of the period. No other example of a figurehead by a Japanese for a Western vessel is known. $26000
RACES of the original polychrome suggest this American or European gentleman was black-haired and wore an indigo blue jacket. Scientific analysis has shown the figurehead to be made of an Asian hardwood. The artist took evident delight in the masses of wavy hair and mutton chop whiskers of the foreign subject. The robustly carved costume and the facial features of the man are similar to those of traders depicted in Japanese prints of the period. No other example of a figurehead by a Japanese for a Western vessel is known.