Matsumoto Head

Antique Wax Head attributed to Matsumoto Kisaburo

A rare museum example of a male wax China man head attributed to Matsumoto Kisaburo. A stunning life like example typical of this artist’s work dating from the mid to late 19th Century.  With its original museum tag still in place at the reverse.

Matsumoto was a Japanese artist known for his incredibly realistic iki-ningyo (life-size人形, or "dolls"). He was renowned for his skill in recreating the human form with uncanny realism, particularly in his iki-ningyo. According to artifacts, one of his iki-ningyo, a male courtier, is part of the Smithsonian's collection. While there isn't a museum dedicated solely to his work, his figures have been exhibited, including at the Contemporary Art Museum, Kumamoto. Matsumoto Kisaburo lived from 1825 to 1892.

Size in inches: H 11” x W 8” x D 8”

Origin: Japan

Date: 19th Century

Condition: Good

Solid in structure and form, with small blemishes and scuffs as we have shown. This item is over 100 years old and so please expect this in the overall condition however its close to perfect condition.

Please review all the photos provided as part of this advert, close-up photos have been provided to show its condition of loss of surface detail and paper in more detail.

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For multiple years we have sold antique items globally, please review our client feedback as a testament to our products and services. Expect our items to show relevant age and natural wear, we only restore due to breaks and major loss, and we always stipulate this in our condition report if this has been down before or after we have obtained them.