Page 184 - Fine Japanese Art October 28, 2020 Galerie Zacke

163 | INOUE JOSHU:
AN EXTREMELY LARGE
AND SUPERB BOXWOOD
OKIMONO OF HOTEI

By Inoue Joshu (active c. 1870-1926),
signed Inoue Joshu to, Nagaoka city,
Niigata prefecture
Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)

An unusually large and superbly carved
okimono of The Laughing Buddha depicted
in a characteristic manner, leaning on
his giant sack with a happy and satisfied
expression on his face. He is surrounded by
an animated group of four karako, one with a
scroll on his back and another holding a ball
in one hand. Hotei has large, thick earlobes
and is resting his chin in his opened hand.
His face is quite amusing, formed by many
folds, and his feet are carved precisely.
Signed and inscribed on the underside 新潟
県長岡市、井上城洲刀 [Engraved by INOUE
JOSHU, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture].
WIDTH 46 cm, HEIGHT 27.5 cm

Condition: Superb condition with natural
age-related hairline cracks and few minor
losses. Beautiful, naturally grown patina.
Provenance: From a British collection.
Estimate EUR 8,000
Starting price EUR 4,000

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