A
well carved figure of a sennin dressed in Chinese robes, slightly leaning forward
and to his right forms an excellently designed netsuke for its purpose. Although
this charming youth is clearly an immortal, his high forehead indicates that he
is Fukurokuju, one of the seven Lucky Gods in Japanese myth; however, further
research suggests that he may be the dwarf god Fukusuke, the Lucky Helper, the
masculine counter part of Okame.
The
pleasing simplicity of this netsuke owes something to its material. The ivory
appears to have come from the tip of a quality tusk, it is well preserved, and
has beautiful cream white patina consistent with its age.
Private Collection