Antique
Popping Eyes Trick Netsuke Howling
Daruma with Flywisk
Netsuke
Signature: Gyokuichi, Circa: 19th century
Recorded in: Netsuke, A Comprehensive Study Based on the M.T. Hindson
Collection by Neil K. Davey, #403
H 2 in.(5cm.),
W 1.5 in.(4cm.), D 1 in.(2.5cm.)
Condition: Excellent This
ivory netsuke of the Japanese Zen Patriarch Daruma holds a fly-wisk, with arms
stretching above his head, eyes rolling upward letting out a big yawn...possibly
the first after nine years of prolonged meditation, as his legs withered away.
Hence comes the Daruma Ningyo, a roly poly tumble doll of good luck. Private Collection | |
Signed
on the base, the carver Gyokuichi is a 19th century netsukeshi recorded in the
M.T.Hindson's Collection by Neil K. Davey. As evidence in this series of netsuke,
he was greatly influenced by master carver Toen (1820-94), who is famoused for
his ningyo/doll combined ittobori style wood netsuke.. Though Gyokuichi never
achieved the status of his master, nerveless, his trick netsuke in ivory were
made in many clever ways. His gods and heros are more silly than reverent, and
oni more humane than devilish. Throughout the subject matter in this "popping
eyes series", Gyokuichi is both bold and wild with a lively sense of humor. His
netsuke designs forgo most unnecessary details, but focus on what is tactile and
functional. Clearly, his main emphasis is to amuse and produce joy and laughter. |
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