Antique Popping Eyes Trick Ivory Netsuke
Howling
Daruma with Flywisk
Netsuke Signature: Gyokuichi, Circa: 19th century
Recorded in: Netsuke, A Comprehensive Study Based on
the M.T. Hindson Collection by Neil K. Davey, #403
H 2 in.(5cm.), W 1.5 in.(4cm.), D 1 in.(2.5cm.)
Condition: Excellent

This ivory netsuke of the Japanese Zen Patriarch Daruma holds a fly-wisk, with arms stretching above his head, eyes rolling upward letting out a big yawn...possibly the first after nine years of prolonged meditation, as his legs withered away. Hence comes the Daruma Ningyo, a roly poly tumble doll of good luck.

Private Collection

Signed on the base, the carver Gyokuichi is a 19th century netsukeshi recorded in the M.T.Hindson's Collection by Neil K. Davey. As evidence in this series of netsuke, he was greatly influenced by master carver Toen (1820-94), who is famoused for his ningyo/doll combined ittobori style wood netsuke.. Though Gyokuichi never achieved the status of his master, nerveless, his trick netsuke in ivory were made in many clever ways. His gods and heros are more silly than reverent, and oni more humane than devilish. Throughout the subject matter in this "popping eyes series", Gyokuichi is both bold and wild with a lively sense of humor. His netsuke designs forgo most unnecessary details, but focus on what is tactile and functional. Clearly, his main emphasis is to amuse and produce joy and laughter.