This
smoothly carved sennin in greeting gesture dramatically contrasts with netsuke
of a later time; which have elaborate details and lack the tactile quality best
for daily usage. As shown in this fine example, with fluent and rounded contours,
through the arrangement of an uplifting face and robust shoulders, the carver
has succeeded in accentuating the character of the joyous sennin, and enlivened
the netsuke without becoming static entailed in symmetrical design.
In
addition to the netsuke's soft cream white patina, its slightly worn with age
cracks. It is also note worthy that the design of the himotoshi is entered through
a small hole in the back, and exits channeled down the hollowed base of the robe.
These clues are fair indications of an early netsuke; which we would be tentatively
attributed to the late 18th century to early 19th century.
