OGAWA HARITSU (RITSUO) (1663-1747)A PAIR OF RARE WOOD SCULPTURES OF NIO EDO PERIOD, LATE 17TH - EARLY 18TH CENTURY EACH SEALED RITSUO |

the kongorishiki figures are carved from dark-stained softwood with oil litharge lacquer decoration to the skirts; each bears the seal Ritsuo in takamaki-e under the skirt, the figure of Misshaku kongo is open-mouthed whereas Naraen kongo has his mouth closed, they symbolise the first and last syllables of the Sanskrit alphabet, Ah and Un (Hum) thus forming the opening and closing of the universe, the mantra of all existence: Om