Antique
Japanese Ivory Netsuke
Two
Hotei Buddha
Happy Together
Signature: not translated, Circa: 1900S'
H
0.8 in.(2.5cm), W 2 in.(5cm), D 1.2 in.(3cm)
Condition: excellent! Hotei,
the Japanese Laughing Buddha, brings great good fortune and happiness. This exquisite
ivory netsuke celebrates two ecstatic laughing Hotei in motion. The level of detail
on this netsuke, given this ivory’s minute scale, is exquisite. The two Hoteis
are beatific as they roll on the ground, as well as in various placements. Look
deep into either one of the two Buddhas’ faces and there is an extraordinary fine-tuning
of character. Round supple cheeks mirror the moon crescent laughing eyes and upturned
smiling mouths. The ears on each Buddha are plump supple seashells. The eyebrows
exhibit a fine-brushed realism. Each Hotei has finely detailed and realistic laugh
lines on his forehead. Their bellies are sumptuously carved and nearly beg to
be touched. The detail given to the robes on each of these Buddha’s is of particular
note: resplendent with unique textile patterns, luxuriant folds organically interplay
together like blossoming flower petals... An evocation of great good fortune and
a symbol of double happiness, this netsuke is in excellent condition. (SD)
| 
Sold
to Private Collection | |
|
| Hotei,
the Japanese Laughing Buddha, brings great good fortune and happiness. This exquisite
ivory netsuke celebrates two ecstatic laughing Hotei in motion. The level of detail
on this netsuke, given this ivory’s minute scale, is exquisite. The two Hoteis
are beatific as they roll on the ground, as well as in various placements. Look
deep into either one of the two Buddhas’ faces and there is an extraordinary fine-tuning
of character. Round supple cheeks mirror the moon crescent laughing eyes and upturned
smiling mouths. The ears on each Buddha are plump supple seashells. The eyebrows
exhibit a fine-brushed realism. Each Hotei has finely detailed and realistic laugh
lines on his forehead. Their bellies are sumptuously carved and nearly beg to
be touched. The detail given to the robes on each of these Buddha’s is of particular
note: resplendent with unique textile patterns, luxuriant folds organically interplay
together like blossoming flower petals... An evocation of great good fortune and
a symbol of double happiness, this netsuke is in excellent condition. (SD)
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