This
netsuke from the 19th century depicts Daikoku, one of the seven gods of luck,
holding a dinosaur like creature possibly a long necked clam. Worn but pleasingly
smooth to the touch, Daikoku’s head is slightly leaned to his right, enveloping
his companion in a warm embrace. The wrinkles of his face are imbued with a look
of wisdom and serenity, brought to life with great precision and skill. One foot
is tucked underneath him, and gives his realistic and fully realized contours
an added depth. The detail of his robe and the creature’s features are worn, but
quietly enhance the beauty of the creamy elephant ivory. Unsigned, this antique
piece is in very good condition.
