Antique Japanese Ivory Ryusa Netsuke
Floral Manju
Bamboo Fiber Motif
Netsuke Signature: Gyokushi, 19th Century
H 2 in.(5cm.), W 2 in.(5cm.), D 0.4 in.(1cm.)
Condition: small losses

Manju refers to the shape that resembles a popular Japanese bean paste confection, and all netsuke in this form are called Manju, whatever the subject. Manju were highly popular in the eighteenth century and can be seen in Ukiyo-e of the time, adorning the fashionable garments of actors. In this example the motif is abstract floral shapes, carved out in a lacy filigree of piercing. It is also possible that the carving represents a section of the dried bamboo plant, with the holes where the fiber bundles were set in the stem. The shapes are not arranged geometrically, but cluster together naturally, like the plant forms they represent, creating the strong graphic statement that would have made it valued as an enhancement to the wearer’s style.

Gyokushi is listed in Reikichi 1961, and was best known for his carvings of dragons and demons.