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Antique
Horn Inlaid Netsuke
Two
Cicadas
On Fallen Leaf
Netsuke Signature: Signed, Circa: 19th Century
H
2 in.(5cm.), W 1 in.(2.5cm.), D 0.5
in.(1cm.)
Crack
lines, no break, fair condition
This
fanciful carving shows attention to the overlooked or insignificant subject that
is one of the hallmarks of netsuke tradition. Here two cicadas explore a fallen
leaf. The heads and bodies of the insects are burnished while their wings are
inscribed with cross hatching to roughen the material. It is difficult to convey
the care used in making this piece; held in the hand it reveals a translucence
and delights us with the affectionate realism of a master carver. The outside
of the leaf with stem and veins is clearly articulated, and the insects themselves
have great character. With beady eyes made of black coral inlay, and little smiles,
they remind one of two men in a boat. This piece has a crack which is a limited
fracture and not a break, but which is exaggerated by the absorption of stain
into the fissure when the work was completed. We have no translation for the signature,
though this is obviously a work of particular skill. Private Collection |
