Vintage
Japanese Netsuke
Fox
Priest
Holding
Mala and Katana
Signature: Eishi. Circa: early
1900's
h.
1.75 in.(4.5cm), w. 1 in.(2.5cm), d. 0.75 in.(2cm)
Condition: hairlines! A
fox dressed in a monk robe standing feet apart, with slightly hunched shoulders
and hidden claws holding prayer beads and katana sword. He has transformed into
a Buddhist priest with dignified expression. Nevertheless, The fox face remains
hairy yet expressive. His narrowed slanted eyes and twisted mouth look hauntingly
vicious... which ultimately demonstrates the skill of the netsuke carver, and
his artistry in capturing the extreme subtlety of the character. Likely created
in the late Meiji or Taisho eras, this close grained, well marked netsuke with
striations and cross hatching, signed on the base is the name Eishi, a spirited
Japanese carver of rare output.
Private Collection |  |
