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Fine Antique Japanese
Netsuke
Karako Lotus
Born Boy Netsuke Signature: Shoro. Circa: 1900S'
h.
1.5 in.(3.8cm), w. 2 in.(5cm), d. 0.75 in.(2cm)
Condition: excellent! Cream
to gold in color with black, green and rose colored pigment, well carved original
design, with delicate openwork of lotus stems sprouting from a rhizome; one blossom
open and one in seed, both resting against a large furled lotus leaf whose curling
edges open to reveal a figure emerging from within, representing the Buddha, who
is called the “Lotus Born”. A frog clasps the outside of the veined leaf, unaware
of the meaning within. The lotus grows with its roots anchored in mire. Its stem
rises through the murky water , its blossoms blooming pure and white above the
mud, like the pristine awareness that is not stained by worldly matters. Carving
is fine and delicate with the edges of the leaf thinned to translucence. Engraved
inside the leaf is a design like a mon, or family crest, with the image of a four
pointed lotus. Himotoshi as two equal holes in the rhizome.
Private Collection |