Sennin
are generally regarded as magicians with supernatural powers, beings who enjoy
rest in the solitude of mountains for a hundred thousand years, after which time
they again enter the cycle of transmigration. This sennin is dressed in his distinctive
cape of mugwort leaves and a lotus leaf hat, holding a branch of ling chi, the
fungus of immortality. He is accompanied by Karako, the figure of a happy boy,
both of them accepting refreshment served by a tanuk, a trickster and a scamp
who loves sake. Here he is hosting the occasion, leaning forward as he wraps himself
around the sake pot, keeping an alert eye on the boy. The sennin holds his cup
high, the boy is bringing his to his lips while the tanuki watches for his response.
This
impeccable carving is cut from two pieces of ivory, with the tanuki attached to
the main group by an ivory rod. The piece is minutely carved and finished, the
details accomplished with a very fine hand. Each of the characters is fully realized;
the kindly sennin, mouth open in a smile, reveals teeth individually carved and
exquisitely fine inking of eyes and eyebrows. The tanuki is equally personified,
his bushy tail held up and his expression expectant. The small boy is finished
with hairline strokes for the details and the convincingly wobbly stance of a
toddler holding on for balance. Altogether a remarkable group imbued with artistic
excellence, liveliness and humor.