Page 15 - Fine Japanese Art September 25, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Sagemono

25 | A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A DANCING
KUMOSUKE (TOKAIDO ROAD pORTER)

Unsigned
Japan, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

A powerful ivory netsuke, dynamic and bold in its execution,
depicting the rare subject of a kumosuke (Tokaido road porter)
dressed in typical attire and shown in a striking pose, singing and
dancing. Very good yellowish patina, particularly to the reverse,
where the himotoshi are also located (one of them in a somewhat
humorous position).
The kumosuke were men from a rough background who carried
daimyo inside a palanquin along the Tokaido road, which connected
Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto during the Tokugawa era. They had to be
strong, but also needed to know how to sing to entertain the feudal
lords.
HEIGHT 7.4 cm
Condition: Very good condition. Expected fine age cracks. Excellent
patina.
Provenance: British collection.
Estimate EUR 8.000,-
Starting price EUr 4.000,-

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