Private Collection | Antique
Japanese Carved Netsuke Monkey
Picks
Flea
Signature : Hiroaki, Circa: 19th Century
H
1.25 in.(3.5cm.), W 1.25 in.(3.5cm.), D 1 in.(2.5cm.)
Condition: very Good The
small repair on the left hand done long ago indictated that this netsuke was dearly
treasured by its former owner(s). The scripted signature on the base is tentatively
identified as Hiroaki, an 18th century netsuke-shi who more frequently carved
in wood, and seldom in ivory. However, this rare ivory carving affords us a glimpse
of Hiroaki's original talent, his ingenuity in stylized compositions combined
with astonishing realism. Alert and contemplative in expression, the monkey depicted
here is lively, sitting with legs crossed, and bending forward in an act of picking
fleas with his thumb and index finger. Though that his arms and legs are dimensionally
carved, by the use of simplified curves the netsuke is formed in round, which
creates an attractive visual harmony that can be admired from any angle, thus
there is no protruding parts to entangle the wearer's kimono. |