Page 47 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

48 | A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF RAIJIN WITH
RAITARO ARMED WITH FISH HEADS

Unsigned
Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Published: INSJ, Volume 23, No.3 (2003), page 27 (Gabor Wilhelm,
7KH 2II %URDGZD\ &ROOHFWRU 3DUW

Depicting the thunder god Raijin carrying his son piggyback. The
design is bold and powerful, dictated by the restrictions placed on
the artist by the thick triangular shape of this precious material, and
the artist has managed masterfully! Raijin has a large, powerfully
carved head, facing up and giving the design a powerful upwards
trajectory imbued with movement from one of Raijin’s raised,
clawed feet. His son Raitaro is hanging over his shoulder, one
leg trailing down his father’s back, and he is grimly facing straight
forward, giving the juxtaposition of the individual expression a
powerful dynamic. Most interestingly perhaps and presenting us
with an enigma (as Gabor Wilhelm put it in his article), are the two
drumsticks Raijin is holding, which resemble fish carcasses with
their heads still attached. The himotoshi in the back are perfectly
placed to ensure the netsuke hangs correctly from the obi.
HEIGHT 7.2 cm

Condition: Very good condition with expected age cracks and
spots of honey patina.
Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection.
Estimate EUR 4.000,-
Starting price EUR 2.000,-

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