Antique Japanese Ivory Sashi Netsuke
Fukurokuju
Elongated Head
Signature: unsigned. Circa: 18th-early 19th Century
h. 3.6 in.(9cm), w. 1.25 in.(3cm), d. 0.5 in.(1.25cm)
Condition: usage worn, o.a. very good!

Fukurokuju is one of the Japanese Seven Gods of Good Fortune (shichi fukujin) His name is a composite of the three Chinese characters for Good Fortune, Wealth and Longevity (fuku, roku and ju). When held in the hand, this late 18th to early 19th century ivory communicates a sensuous smoothness, a uniform suppleness that suggest that the artist has selected the ivory from the choicest part of the tusk. This netsuke communicates a symmetry defined by Fukurokuju's highly whimsical gargantuan elongated skull, here the accumulated wisdom of many eons resides. In this depiction, The line from the tip of Fukurokuju's skull to the bottom of his robes follows a gracefully designated arch. Fukurokuju's traditional Chinese robes flow in symetry. His hands come together in a respective salutation right under the chin. Simple lines indicate the facial features but in a manner that conveys deep meaning (levity and longevity) in few simple strokes. The ears are shown here as plump buds indicating the symbolically elongated ears of wisdom. Stylistically this ivory is reminiscent of the artistry of Ozaki Kokusai (1835/37-1894) also signed as Koku, who is known for his distinctive sashi style netsuke. The sashi style is an elongated style that would be hooked on either side of the obi. The elongated form of this netsuke indicates the sashi form, although this depiction of Fukurokuju does not have hooks on the bottom and the top. This ivory has himotoshi directly in the mid back and at the bottom. It is unsigned and in very good condition. (SD)