Antique
Japanese Carved Netsuke
Baby
Doll
Princess Netsuke Signature: Gyokuzan. late 19th
Century h.
1.5 in.(4cm), w. 1.25 in.(3cm), d. 1 in.(2.5cm)
Condition: excellent, (no himotoshi) 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
| Private Collection | 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. Antique
Japanese netsuke in fine quality ivory from the center of the tusk tip, cream
colored, marked with striations and Schreger lines, well carved with textural
and linear engraving and sumi. Depicting a cherubic baby princess holding a grownup
court hat to her head, her chubby fingers grasping the tasseled cords, a slightly
mischievous smile on her face. The hat has a stippled pattern, the garment engraving
shows water and lotus motifs, with the child’s bib and sash tied in two stately
bows at the back. A fine example of Gyokuzan’s child subjects, for which he was
well known.
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