19th
Century Masterpiece Netsuke
Fukurokuju
On One Foot w/ Minogame
Netsuke Signature: Hojitsu,
Edo Period H
1.6 in.(3.5cm), W 1 in.(2.5cm), D 0.75 in.(2cm)
Condition: minor restorationA
brilliant work by Hojitsu, who was acknowledged as the finest carver in all Tokyo,
where he resided until his death. Hojitsu was a vassal of the shogun, even serving
as a priest while he enjoyed his lord’s sponsorship as a netsuke artist. His family
crest consisted of a Chinese bellflower in a circle. He was also patronized by
the Kaimyo of Tsugaru. He used the go Meikeisai, which was adopted from the characters
indicating Keiseigakubo, the section of Tokyo where he lived. Upon his death in
his early eighties in 1873 he was buried at the Renkyu-ji of the Nichiren sect
in Tokyo, having outlasted all the other famed netsuke carvers of mid-century
acclaim. He is distinguished also by his invention of the inlaying style of Tokoku
which he steadily surpassed, and is also celebrated for his spectacular command
of manju engraving in which he adapted techniques of painting and calligraphy
to heighten the effects. He is one of only eight carvers honored by the Baur collection
in Geneva with a color survey in their catalogue, and is extensively represented
in the Tokyo National Museum. |
Private Collection
| Superb
netsuke depicting Fukurokujo as a venerable old man balancing on one foot. Close
grained ivory, cream to gold with age patina. Highly detailed, showing deep folds
as well as superficial lines of the face, the mouth open with teeth individually
carved, the beard falling fluidly with painterly carving of hairs. Robes descend
in graceful folds finely decorated with clouds and edged with meanders. Bony fingers
lift up a sleeve upon which is settled a minogame, companion in longevity. |
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