Lot 251: A Trio of Japanese Uhei Oshi-e Padded Fabric Collage Pictures of Bijin
A trio of Japanese oshi-e pictures, each depicting a bijin or beautiful woman in traditional kimono. These works are created using the oshi-e technique, a traditional craft where pieces of padded silk and textile remnants are layered to form a three-dimensional image. Each figure features a finely painted composition face and hands, with elaborate black hairstyles detailed with decorative kanzashi hairpins. The woman on the left is depicted in a vibrant red floral kimono with her arms crossed. The central woman is shown in profile wearing an orange floral kimono and holding a circular uchiwa fan. The woman on the right wears a black and red kimono with gold-toned embroidery and holds a fan. Each work includes a signature consisting of two vertical characters reading Uhei and a square red seal mark. The portraits are presented against neutral-toned mats in shades of dark brown, tan, and cream, all set within matching black wooden frames under glass. An orange adhesive label reading 251 is attached to the glass of the central frame. White adhesive labels marked 7 are present on the lower right corner of the mats for the central and right frames.
Condition report:
The collection is in good condition. The textile collages are well-preserved behind glass with no evidence of loose fabric or fading (photo 1). The wooden frames exhibit minor surface scuffs and dust consistent with age. Adhesive labels are present on the glass and mats as shown.
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