Contemporary
Japanese Netsuke
Samurai
Naozane
Kumagai killing Taira
Netsuke Signature: Nanryu, 20th Century
Recorded artist in: Contemporary Netsuke by Miriam Kinsey
H 2 in.(5cm), W 1 in.(2.5cm), D 0.75 in.(2cm)
Condition: excellent!
Fine grained cream colored ivory with rich engraving of details with sumi and
brown pigment, highly ornamented with trappings of military regalia and fine floral
motifs, Depicting Kumagai and Atsumori after the battle of Ichi-no-Tani. The fine
netsuke is carved by a 20th Century master Nanryu. He was born in 1935, student
of Sumio Ishida. Known for his carvings of subjects from Japanese legend and folklore.
Private Collection
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Atsumori was a youth
of sixteen in command of the defenders of the Castle of Ichi-no-Tani, which was
laid siege to by Yoshitsune, in 1184, Kumagai being a general taking part in the
attack. The castle was taken and all its defenders fled except Atsumori, who remained
in the castle, betraying himself by playing on his flute. When Kumagai heard the
flute he prepared to kill Atsumori, but when he beheld Atsumori's beauty and the
sweet song of his flute, he sheathed his sword, hesitating to slay one so young
who reminded him of his own son. He took up the biwa instead. (The guitar shaped
instrument held in Kumagai's left hand.) Nevertheless he was taunted by fellow
warriors, and so Kumagai slew Atsumori and sent his head and flute to Yoshitsune.
Later, filled with remorse for his deed, he shaved his head and became a monk,
retiring to the temple of Kurodani, at Kyoto, under the name of Renshobo.
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