Antique
Japanese Netsuke
Ri Haku
Leaning
on Wine Jug
Signature: unsigned. Circa: mid
19th century
h.
1.1 in.(2.8cm), w. 1.2 in.(3.5cm), d. 1 in.(2.5cm)
Condition: usage worn, o.a. very good A
wonderful little netsuke of the famous Chinese poet Ri Haku, Ri-tai-haku (Chinese:
Li Bai), carved in a well known reference possibly from a Chinese painting. The
netsuke is unsigned, its size and motif indicating its mid 19th century origins.
The poet leans on an emptied wine jug; etched clouds blow across his robe. Balancing
his full cup on his knee he smiles, drunkenly. Legend has it that his he died
in pursuit of the moon and its reflection on the ocean, falling in and drowning
while trying to lift it from the water. A tactile and warm netsuke in excellent
condition. 
| 
Private Collection |
