19th Century Edo Netsuke
Kanu
Three Kingdoms God of War
Netsuke Signature: Tomo (Tomochika)
Recorded Artist in Netsuke, A Comprehensive Study Based on
the M.T. Hindson
Collection by Neil K. Davey #3012
H 1.25in.(3cm.), W 1.5in.(4cm.), D 0.75in.(2cm.)
Condition: usage wornKanu,
whose Chinese name is Kuan Yu. Originally a general under the posterior of the
Han dynasty (Three Kingdoms, 220-265 A.D.). He was later raised to the status
of Emperor, and ennobled to be the God of War, and God of Literature during the
Mid Ming Dynasty. Generally the image of Kanu is holding the Book of Spring and
Autumn. Here he is depicted leaning mightily on a small table, possibly guarding
the harem of Komei the wise councilor of the Han Emperor Lui Bei.
| 
Private Collection | With
rich honey patina and an even shine, hairlines and usage worn but not unattractively.
The composition of this finely executed netsuke retains its force. Signed in an
irregular reserve on the base, the signature Tomo has the distinctive strokes
of the famed Tomochika (1800-1873). On the basis of a virtually identical piece
recorded by Neil K Davey in "NETSUKE" #438 ( Formerly in Fairley Collection).
This older version may be attributed the hand of Tomotane, a distinctive pupil
of Tomochika during the early 19th century period. --J.C. |
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