Antique
Japanese Carved Okimono
Sarumawashi
Dog and Monkey Show
Signed: Gyokushi.
Circa: early 1900s'
H 3.5 in.(8.6cm), W 1.4 in.(4cm), D 1 in.(2.5cm)
Condition: excellent!
This intricately carved ivory netsuke size okimono is a traditional depiction
of the surumawashi. Most unusually he is holding a stylized staff that is representative
of a Christian cross. Considering that the ban of Christianity during 18th-early
19th century Edo. Such a sign may have landed the carver in prison. No doubt with
the new found religious freedom during the Mejii period. The artist now free to
bring an emotive and detailed rendering to the characters at hand. The monkey
is simply adorable. With his expressive features, the fine silky hair on his body
and his intricately detailed hapi coat. The trainer beams with a benign countenance
that is at once classical and evokes a sweet humane realism. There are a number
of distinct and artful textile patterns that the artist has used to distinguish
the surumawashi’s clothing. In his left hand the surumawashi carries a hand drum
with stylized motifs on the side. Around his neck is a travel bag. The fine carving
of this bag transformed the hard ivory into supple folded cloth. By the trainer’s
right foot is an attentive pooch. In a few carefully chosen strokes, the artist
communicates a delightful expressiveness in the canine’s face. The okimono is
tactile in design; perhaps the carver has considered it may be used as a netsuke.
(SD)
Private Collection | 
