 | Antique
Japanese Ivory Netsuke
Karako
Wearing
Chinese Sailor Hat
Netsuke Signature: Gyokuzan.
Mid 19th Century
h.
1.5 in.(4cm), w. 1.5 in.(4cm), d. 1 in.(2.5cm)
Condition: no himotoshi Listed
in: The Netsuke Handbook by Ueda Reikichi Pub. Tuttle, Tokyo 1961
Netsuke
Familiar & Unfamiliar by Raymond Bushell Pub. Tanko Weatherhill, Tokyo 1975
The
Raymond & Frances Bushell Collection of Netsuke Pub. Los Angeles County Museum,
2003
Netsuke by Neil K. Davey Pub.Sotheby, London 1982
Collectors’
Netsuke by Raymond Bushell Pub. Weatherhill, Tokyo 1971
Netsuke by
Joe Earle Pub. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston 2001
Netsuke, A Guide for
Collectors by Mary Louise O’Brien Pub. Tuttle, Tokyo 1965 Private Collection
| An
appealingly plump Karako in nearly translucent light cream ivory nicely marked
with striations and expressively carved, a draped bow at the back falling softly
over cloud embroideries, the hat engraved with a chrysanthemum, the round face
and figure finished with a high hand polish with the artist’s signature on the
bottom in formal kanji on a red lacquer reserve: Gyokuzan.
| Since
the 18th century there have been several netsuke-shi by the name Gyokuzan. The
style and artistry of this excellent Karako strongly affirm attribution to the
famous Asashi Gyokuzan of Tokyo, an ordained priest and a netsuke master whose
illustrious career was marked by numerous prizes and awards. He was honored by
Prince Norihisa in the presence of the Emperor during the Meiji era. Asashi Gyokuzan
died on August 10th, 1923 at the age of 79. | | | |  |  | | | | | | | | | |  |  | | | |  |  | | | |
|
