Antique Japanese Netsuke
Sleeping Beauty
Pearl Diver On Clam Shell
Signed: Bunaki (Bunmei), Taisho, 1920,s
H 1.5 in.(3.8cm.), W 2 in.(5cm.), D 1 in.(2.5cm.)
Condition: Excellent

The pearl diver has made a large clamshell into her couch and fell asleep. Her head gently bends to the shoulder, black hair cascading over creamy skin, lips curved in a crimson smile. The difficult arrangement of the figure is accomplished while maintaining the mood of indolent sensuality. Though the girl seems to be asleep, she is undoubtedly aware of her provocative impact, for she has dropped her garment with less than complete unconcern, her parted knees and crossed ankles contrast her openness with a certain modesty. Possibly from a real model, face of the girl is meticulously modeled, restating her loveliness from every angle. Her delicate hands and feet are carefully sculpted, with the toes visible on the underside. The netsuke is both tactile and sensitively realized with fine details and high-hand finishing. The pale ivory is offset by the darks of the hair and robe, contributing a lyrical balance to the design.

Private Collection

Although the signature is not found in our early references, this netsuke displays superior artistry in the design as well as handling of the ivory, which is beautifully marked with striations and patterning. Most unusual is the perfection of the pose, with its undisguised eroticism both contained and emphasized by the carefully thought out arrangement of the figure. The esthetics of the work has a distinctly recent sensibility; this exquisite netsuke dates to the Meiji to Taisho eras of 1910’s -1930’s. --R.W.

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