Antique
Japanese Seal Netsuke
Kanu
God of War with Arms Cross
Signature:
unsigned, Circa: early 19th Century
H
1.75 in.(4.5cm), W 1.25 in.(3cm), D 1 in.(2.5cm)
Condition: lightly worn, o.a. very good! Superb
antique netsuke carved in the early 1800’s from the tip of the tusk, cream to
light gold with age patina, depicting Kanu, the God of War, seated at a scholar’s
table, his arms crossed in front of him. The piece is carved with force and subtlety;
evoking a sense of power in repose. The stylized beard lends a hieratic dignity
while the face and figure are highly individualized and rendered with a lively
naturalism, the lines collecting and dispersing in flowing gathers that give life
and movement to the figure. At the back the simple detail of the asymmetrical
stitched seam that runs down the garment displays the artist’s pleasure in the
natural order of things. Polished to a rich unctuous finish, with a glossy translucence
at the edges.
Private Collection |  |
