Dancing Figure (Eshima)- Oban

The Eshima Dancing Figure belongs to Kawano's celebrated series depicting female dancers drawn from classical Japanese performing traditions. Rendered in the oban format, the figure is caught mid-movement, her kimono and obi suggesting motion through carefully considered folds and sweeping lines. The Eshima designation likely refers to a specific dance form or costume variant, and Kawano's expressive carving captures both the physical discipline of the dance and its ethereal, almost spiritual quality.