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Antique Manju Style Netsuke
Pearl
Diver
Embrace by Octopus
Netsuke Signature: Yukimasa, 20th Century
H 1.5 in.(3cm.), W 1.75 in.(4.5cm.), D 0.75 in.(2cm.)
Condition: hairline, o.a. good! A
lively manju depicting an Ama, or pearl diver, with her amorous octopus. In this
carving a sense of dimensionality is achieved through deft handling of the sunken
relief technique. The work has a painterly quality in the richly rendered folds
of fabric, the detailed tentacles and suckers and the joined edge of the clamshell,
which are punctuated with incised dotting for textural effect A high hand polish
accentuates the golden luster of the material. Darker streaks and markings occur
around the ringed convex back of the carved shell. The design is beautifully integrated
and the work has the desirable quality of resembling a natural object. Signed
Yukimasa in a fluid hand without reserve. | 
Private Collection |
Yukimasa,
real name Tadami Uno. Born in November, 1914 in Gifu City. Originally wanted to
be a painter; has exhibited and won prizes with his photography. He studied under
Koshin Akiyami, who carved netsuke, okimono, and Buddha statues in both ivory
and wood, and whose father is a famous carver of fans. Yukimasa has been carving
since 1930 and concentrates on netsuke for foreign collectors. He is especially
well known for his animals and original designs portraying life and customs of
the Edo period. Usually use ivory but occasionally boxwood. Sometimes use stain,
color, or inlay. His wife Harue assisted him by doing staining, coloring and polishing.
He is using the name Yukimasa on good works, Masatomo on works of medium quality,
and Tomoichi on animals. | | | |
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