Antique Japanese Ivory Cane Handle
Kannon
Riding on Carp
Signed: Gyokuzan, Edo, circa: mid 19th century
H 8.25 in.(21cm.), W 1 in.(2.5cm.), D 1in.(2.5cm.)
Condition: very good

Since the 18th century there have been several netsuke-shi by the name Gyokuzan. The style and artistry of this excellent carving strongly affirm attribution to the famous Asashi Gyokuzan of Tokyo, an ordained priest and a netsuke master whose illustrious career was marked by numerous prizes and awards. He was honored by Prince Norihisa in the presence of the Emperor during the Meiji era. Asashi Gyokuzan died on August 10th, 1923 at the age of 79.

Listed in: The Netsuke Handbook by Ueda Reikichi Pub. Tuttle, Tokyo 1961
Netsuke Familiar & Unfamiliar by Raymond Bushell Pub. Tanko Weatherhill, Tokyo 1975
The Raymond & Frances Bushell Collection of Netsuke Pub. Los Angeles County Museum, 2003
Netsuke by Neil K. Davey Pub.Sotheby, London 1982
Collectors’ Netsuke by Raymond Bushell Pub. Weatherhill, Tokyo 1971
Netsuke by Joe Earle Pub. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston 2001
Netsuke, A Guide for Collectors by Mary Louise O’Brien Pub. Tuttle, Tokyo 1965

Sold to Private Collection

This fine carving in low relief on stag antler displays the sensitivity and poetry of the artist. Afloat on a carp in the moonlit sky, Kannon, Goddess of Compassion, appears with a sacred scroll, her hooded robes falling gracefully over the carp as it leaps above the curling waves, carrying Kannon high into the night, where her presence is framed by wispy clouds and the branches of a pine. Masterful carving complements the integrity of the material, which has aged to a satin finish over cream with surface wear and age patina. Signed an inch above the bottom: Gyokuzan.