19th
Century Japanese Sashi Netsuke
Monkeys & Frog
Stacking
Up Acrobat
Signature: Gyokuju. Circa: 19th
Century
h.
4 in.(10cm), w. 1.3 in.(3cm), d. 1 in.(2.5cm)
Condition: hair lines, o.a. excellent! A
rare sashi netsuke from the 19th century. Three lively figures stacked up in cream
colored elephant ivory. The monkey on top bears the peach of longevity, the frog
on the bottom a symbol of perseverance. Unified in detail, the three look out
in curiosity, their features rendered with delicate detail; the shadow tinged
ears and lightly brushed fur of the monkey’s front contrasting gorgeously with
the smooth rounded belly of the frog. From the back, the monkey’s jinbei are intricately
etched; one a lily pad motif while the other sports a breathless pine needle pattern.
Again in contrast with the frog, whose scaly back practically oozes the impression
of slime. Its large size (over 4”) is not typical for mid 19th century netsuke,
the cord attachment for the sagemono meant to run through the frog’s feet. Signed
on the bottom in red ink by Gyokuju, a cataloged carver known mostly for his wooden
carvings. The piece has some hairline cracks, but is otherwise in excellent condition.
Private Collection
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