| Antique
Japanese Trick Netsuke
Oguri
Hangwan
Taming Oni-Kage
Netsuke
Signature: Gyokuichi, Circa: 19th century
Recorded in: Netsuke, A Comprehensive Study Based on
the M.T. Hindson
Collection by Neil K. Davey, #403
H 2.6in.(6.3cm.), W 1.75 in.(4.5cm.), D .75 in.(2cm.)
Condition: very good! This
ivory netsuke depicts Oguri Hangwan, a 15th century samurai hero in flight from
the Shogun who kidnapped his wife. As the well known legend tells it, Oguri Hangwan
sough refuge one night at a large inn which turned out to be the headquarters
of a notorious bandit named Yokoyama. With intention to rob Oguri Hangwan and
his company, the bandits made a show of welcome to their guests. Not wanting to
fight the samurai, Yokoyama challenged Oguri to ride the vicious horse Oni-Kage
(The Demon Chestnut), believing that the samurai would be thrown and killed by
the wild beast. However, to the amazement of the spectators, Oguri succeeded not
only to tame the wild prancing animal, but to bring the Oni-Kage under such control
that he rode the horse to a Go table, and caused the beast to mount with all four
feet on a block of 30 inches square. |  |
Signed
on the base, the carver Gyokuichi is a 19th century netsukeshi recorded in the
M.T.Hindson's Collection by Neil K. Davey. As evidence in this series of netsuke,
he was greatly influenced by master carver Toen (1820-94), who is famoused for
his ningyo/doll combined ittobori style wood netsuke.. Though Gyokuichi never
achieved the status of his master, nevertheless, his trick netsuke in ivory were
made in many clever ways. His gods and heros are more silly than reverent, and
oni more humane than devilish. Throughout the subject matter in this "popping
eyes series", Gyokuichi is both bold and wild with a lively sense of humor. His
netsuke designs forgo most unnecessary details, but focus on what is tactile and
functional. Clearly, his main emphasis is to amuse and produce joy and laughter. |
| Private Collection | | | |
 |  |
| | |
| | |
 |  |
| | |
 |  |
| | |
|
