Antique Japanese Ivory Netsuke
Fukurokuju
Seated Laughing
Unsigned, Circa: 18th Century
H 1.75 in.(4.5cm), W 1.5 in.(4cm), D .75 in.(2cm)
Condition: usage worn, o.a. very good!

Private Collection

Antique netsuke in fine grained ivory, cream to gold, well marked with striations and Schreger lines, with color spots of sienna and green, carved into a triangular shape with flat back, a shape which was favored during the earliest period of netsuke carving. Here all elements are subordinated to the basic form, which is kept smooth and uncomplicated, making it an excellent usable netsuke. Fukurokujo is shown in courtly attire, long white hair spilling over his collar at the back, his long beard swaying to the side, he leans on his left hand, a broad smile across his rustic features, swelling royal earlobes, his tall head marked with bluish crack lines and polished to a high hand finish.