Page 54 - Japnese Art Netsuke, Okimono, Lempertz June 2, 2019

366 A very fine Tokyo school wood netsuke of Hotei at setsubun, by Tôkoku. Late 19th century

Standing with one foot slightly raised, he holds a rice measure box (masu) with roasted beans
and lifts his right hand in order to throw beans, tied to his head, but worn like a hat, the mask
of an Okame. The cord holes lined with green-stained bone. Signed Tôkoku and a silver-inlaid
seal reading Bairyû. Chip to the right big toe smoothed.
Height 4.9 cm
Provenance
Carl A. Kroch (1915–1999), Chicago, USA (sold at Christie’s, New York, 1.12.1987, lot 76)
Barry Davies Oriental Art, London, 2001
€ 2.500 – 3.000

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