Antique
Japanese Natural Gourd
Wine Jug with
Ivory Ring Netsuke Signature: unsigned. Circa:
19th-early 20th Century Lg Ivory 1: D. 2.5
in.(6.3cm). Sm
Ivory 2: D. 1.25 in.(3cm) Gourd:
H. 6.5 in.(2cm), W. 4 in.(10cm), D. 4 in.(10cm)
Condition: very good! This
evocative 19th century gourd is beautifully shaped and placed. It is a rich example
of the Japanese defined aesthetic that uses nature as a guide and natural material
as a source to create beautiful works of art. This gourd which could easily hold
a nice portion of sake, that would have poured out of lovely shaped nipple spout,
is wrapped by strategically and gracefully placed chording. Interwoven into the
chord are two graceful ivory rings a small and large one and a wood peg stopper
that is placed into the opening. The gourd could have been easily worn on an obi,
not unlike a netsuke. The coloring on this gourd, enhanced by staining is warm
and rich and is evocative of the traditional wooden interiors of Japanese temples
and homes. Rendered with a sublime artful beauty this piece is well suit even
for immortals. (SD)
Private Collection | | The
Wu Lou or gourd is an essential element in the art and practice of Feng Shui.
Considered a powerful symbol of health, longevity and prosperity it one of the
essential accouterments of many prominent deities. Gourds in both traditional
Chinese and Japanese culture were containers for both life giving water on long
journeys and joy filling wine. There were also used to contain essential medicines
and are thus recognized as a symbol of vitality and health. The shape of the wu
lou is also a representation of heaven and earth united together: the top half
is heaven and the bottom, earth and when used by human, is the wonderful integration
of heaven, earth and humankind. The gourd is also considered to the potency to
absorb bad energy or chi from a situation person or place.
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