An important and rare set of three polychrome painted wooden figures. The central person in Chinese imperial shi’erzhang-dress sitting in a red lacquered chair holding a gui-tablet in his hands, flanked by two standing persons standing on a plinth and also in Chinese dress: one holding his folded hands in his sleeves and the other carrying a shaku (a writing board used by officials as a sign of dignity).
The figures have inlayed eyes. One figure has a bottom inscription stating that the figures were carved by the Naniwa (Osaka) master Komatsu Yamato Daijō Shōhō (with kakihan-sign) and address and is dated: ninth moon month of the year Kansei 8 (1796). H. : 61 cm; 61,5 cm and 63 cm. Pedestal: 27 x 21 cm.