In ancient and medieval Kyoto, the imperial family and nobility rode in carriages drawn by oxen. Such beautifully appointed vehicles, decorated with a wild ginger motif, were a popular subject for decorative art objects and textiles. Lacking evidence of a dispute, the composition is a decorative representation of carts set among the delicate pink blossoms of early summer. The painting convention of omitting human presence, common in the decorative arts, came  to be called the “motif of absence”

Type                                    Toothpick holder

Material                             Porcelain

Image                                 Print

Design                                Court Wagon under a plum tree surrounded by flowers.

Title                                    Ancient Court Wagon for Ladies

After                                   Ohno Bakufu (1888-1976)

Toothpick with handle   9.2 x 5.3 cm (3"62 x 2"08 inches)