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Japanese Meiji Netsuke
Night
Watchman
Studying
The Five Teachings
Signature: unsigned, Circa: 1868-1912
H
2.5in.(6.5cm), W 1in.(2.5cm), D .5in.(1.25cm)
Condition: Very Good A
well carved ivory in light cream color with darker striations and age patina,
depicting a night watchman with his lantern at the end of a bamboo pole, attired
in a soft cap and simple robes with engravings of foliate and geometric patterns
inked with sumi. Although he is a night watchman, this commoner aspires to become
a scholar. He is reading the “Five Books”, the study of which is considered by
Confucius to distinguish a human being from the animals.
Private Collection |  |
