|
71. A carved wood netsuke of Fukura Suzume (round and puffy sparrow). As this suzume is rendered wearing a winter hanten (a quilted haori) with an ajisai (hydrangea) textile pattern we can assume there is an anthropomorphic inference (most likely the legendary tale of Shita-kiri Suzume). Shita-kiri Suzume is a beloved Japanese tale of blessings for acts of loving kindness and the misery brought upon oneself for treachery and greed. Meiji period.
Length: 3.8 cm |
|
|
72. A netsuke of a joyful Fukurokuju, the Shinto God of Wisdom and Longevity. He stands beside his acolyte wearing priestly robes with his left hand upon a tama - the wish granting jewel. This choice of subject would have been meaningful to the wearer for its wish granting propensities. With lustrous patina. Signed Ikkosai.
Height: 5.2 cm |
|
|
73. This fine 19th century Japanese metalwork kagamibuta alludes to the famous legend of “Tadamori & the Oil Thief”. We see an ancient gnarled pine and a torii gate with a figure of an aged priest with a tattered umbrella carrying a lantern. The legend has it that this figure in the night mists of the temple grounds had caused alarm and was believed to be a demon that breathed fire and had a fearful spiked head. The 12th century samurai hero Tadamori was dispatched to destroy the demon, but fortunately recognized the personage of the old priest before he could draw his sword.
Diameter: 4.4 cm |
|
|
74. An 18th century ebony netsuke depicting the beloved family dog enjoying a good scratch. Carved with attention to detail of ribs with elements of bony structure and razor-fine hairwork. Characteristically rubbed smooth at the high points. Irregular himotoshi. Late 18th century.
Height: 3.8 cm |
|
