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Antique
Japanese Cane Handle
Kannon
Riding on Carp
Signed:
Gyokuzan, Edo, circa: mid 19th century
H 8.25 in.(21cm.), W 1 in.(2.5cm.),
D 1in.(2.5cm.)
Condition: very good Since
the 18th century there have been several netsuke-shi by the name Gyokuzan. The
style and artistry of this excellent carving strongly affirm attribution to the
famous Asashi Gyokuzan of Tokyo, an ordained priest and a netsuke master whose
illustrious career was marked by numerous prizes and awards. He was honored by
Prince Norihisa in the presence of the Emperor during the Meiji era. Asashi Gyokuzan
died on August 10th, 1923 at the age of 79. Listed
in: The Netsuke Handbook by Ueda Reikichi Pub. Tuttle, Tokyo 1961
Netsuke
Familiar & Unfamiliar by Raymond Bushell Pub. Tanko Weatherhill, Tokyo 1975
The Raymond & Frances Bushell Collection of Netsuke Pub. Los Angeles County Museum,
2003
Netsuke by Neil K. Davey Pub.Sotheby, London 1982
Collectors’ Netsuke
by Raymond Bushell Pub. Weatherhill, Tokyo 1971
Netsuke by Joe Earle Pub.
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston 2001
Netsuke, A Guide for Collectors by Mary Louise
O’Brien Pub. Tuttle, Tokyo 1965
Private Collection
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This
fine carving in low relief on stag antler displays the sensitivity and poetry
of the artist. Afloat on a carp in the moonlit sky, Kannon, Goddess of Compassion,
appears with a sacred scroll, her hooded robes falling gracefully over the carp
as it leaps above the curling waves, carrying Kannon high into the night, where
her presence is framed by wispy clouds and the branches of a pine. Masterful carving
complements the integrity of the material, which has aged to a satin finish over
cream with surface wear and age patina. Signed an inch above the bottom: Gyokuzan.
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