Antique
Japanese Okimono Netsuke
Daikoku
God of Luck /
Shichifukujin
Artist
Signature: Seido, early 20th century
H 2.25 in.(5.25cm), W 1.25in.(3cm), D 1in.(2.5cm)
Condition: excellent! Daikoku,
one of the gods of wealth, carved from the center tip of a fine quality tusk,
beautifully marked with striations and layers as well as Schreger lines, the crosshatching
distinctive to elephant ivory.A fine and spirited work. An exceptional coloration
has been achieved in the range of cream colors, from the near-white glossy front
of the figure to the varying tones of cream to golden hues at the back and in
the matte area of the trousers. With the exception of the eyes, which are touched
with black, all the engraving has been colored with sepia ink, enhancing the overall
appearance of lightness and warmth, harmonizing with the tones of the patina which
have developed over time.
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Private Collection
| The
signature, written on the bottom next to a small hole embellished with a floral
motif, is in the hand of Seido, a netsuke artist who, due to the demands of the
time and the change from Japanese to Western clothing, moved from carving netsuke,
which were no longer practical, to okimono, presenting the subjects as works complete
in themselves.
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