Antique
Japanese Carved Netsuke
Happy Drunker
Gazing The Moon
Signature: unsigned, Circa: Showa, early 1900s' H
1.5 in.(3.8cm), W 1 in.(2.5cm), D 1 in.(2.5cm)
Condition: very good! A
whimsical thin man with a large head and a nearly emaciated body, kneeling on
one knee in a squatting position looking up skyward, two dazed eyes are detailed
with sagging pockets, and under his large flat nose is a silly grin with broken
teeth. Judging from the sake cup in his right hand, and in his left an oversized
jar incised “wine” in kanji character. The unmistakable drunker may well be a
farmer celebrating the harvest moon, enjoying life as it was for farmers during
the Edo era under the Shogun rules. This artfully rendered netsuke is hand carved
from prefered natural material in the Showa period. The surface appears moist
in cream white color with distinct cross-hatching grain and striations. Although
featuring many carved-through areas, decades
has passed it remains in pristine condition due to the quality of the material.
There is no cracks and no damage of any kind observed.
Private Collection | |