Japanese
Antique Netsuke
Bakemono
Haunting Ghost
Signature: Hoichi. Circa: 19th century
Record
artist in Netsuke by Neil Davey #660
H 1.5 in.(4cm), W 1.5 in.
(4cm), D 1 in. (2.5cm)
Condition : very good The
artist’s preference for fanciful subjects is exemplified in the grimacing bakemono,
a kind of goblin or monster in humanoid form, differing from a ghost in that bakemono
have legs, whereas ghosts do not. The ivory is well marked and bears a rich patina
of age, which has raised the grain where it is strongly patterned on the bottom
of the piece. Pale creamy color adds to the ghostly appearance of the creature,
who sits with his legs curled under him, hands drawn back into his sleeves. Glossy
finish, engraved with hair lines and cross hatching on the robe, signed on the
back in a reserve: Hoichi. A well known netsukeshi of the Hojitsu school. Private Collection
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