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19th Century
Japanese Netsuke
Monkey
Trapped
in Clam Shell
Sig: Hidematsu, Circa: Meiji, 1868-1911
Recorded
in Netsuke, The Comprehensive Study Based On The Hindson Collection by NK Davey
#585
H 1.5 in.(3.5cm), W 2 in.(5cm), D 1.75 in.(4.5cm)
Condition: small nick on edge, o.a. very good! |
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Private Collection |
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| The
bulk and presence of a monkey stuffed inside a clam shell. It represents a Zen
Buddhist parable of the lust of a man trapped inside a woman’s genitalia. The
netsuke is rendered with accurate realism; through which one can sensed a hint
of tension in the monkey’s face and posture, and enthralled with the deeply engraved
layers of striated flow of fur, which is keenly in contrast with the mirror finished
clam shell, through its two lustrous half dome shapes that seemed to draw light
onto the tactile surface, and equally inviting for the human touch. Apparently
for purpose of preserving this veneer, no cord hole was drilled in the exterior;
instead, the himotoshi are tactically formed by an large opening hidden between
the back of the monkey and the hinge of the clam shell.
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