Antique
Japanese Stag Antler Netsuke Cowherd
on Ox Symbol
of Enlightenment Signature: not translated.
Circa: early 19th Century H
1.25 in.(3cm), W 1.5 in.(4cm), D 2.25 in.(5.75cm)
Condition: tail restoration, minor imperfection! A
cowherd riding an ox is a celebrated motif seen in centuries of Japanese and Chinese
arts. The image is a parable of spiritual evolution, which symbolizes attaining
enlightenment through the realization of the fundamental unity with the ultimate
reality.
Private Collection
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This Edo Era netsuke is a classic rendition of the Zen Buddhist teaching.
The ox is well-carved from stag antler material, modeled in affable planes of
rounded edges, high hand polished to an unctuous mirror surface, with an ancient
visage that is in direct contrast to the understated minute details of the cowherd,
who looks upward with a blissful expression. As shown in the photos, the eyes
of the ox is likely inlaid with umimatsu (sea pine), and a section of its tail
was professionally restored. There is no other defect observed, and overall it
is in fair to good condition.
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