 | Antique
Small Japanese Netsuke
Lotus
Root
With Bronze Seed Caps
Netsuke Signature: unsigned, Circa: 19th
century
H
0.9 in.(7cm), W 0.8 in.(2.cm), D 0.7 in.(2cm)
Condition: o.a. very good! Lotus
root is a popular vegetable in China and Japan (where it is known as Renkon),
and is known to be an incredibly versatile and nutritious food. Its root, or more
precisely, its rhizome (an underground horizontal stem) is found in the muddy
bottom of ponds and lakes, its location indicated by the lotus flower floating
just above the water’s surface. This tiny, ojime like netsuke, is made of eight
fitted slats of pale ivory, put together like a barrel and wrapped and capped
with copper. Slightly reminiscent of the Dharma Wheel and the Eight Noblefold
Path, its simple but stylized design calls forth its complex history as a religious
symbol and as an asian culinary staple. A unique piece in very good condition.
Private Collection |
