Meiji Ivory Manju Style Netsuke
Pearl Diver
Embrace by Octopus
Netsuke Signature: Yukimasa, 20th Century
H 1.5 in.(3cm.), W 1.75 in.(4.5cm.), D 0.75 in.(2cm.)
Condition: hairline, o.a. good!

A lively manju depicting an Ama, or pearl diver, with her amorous octopus. In this carving a sense of dimensionality is achieved through deft handling of the sunken relief technique. The work has a painterly quality in the richly rendered folds of fabric, the detailed tentacles and suckers and the joined edge of the clamshell, which are punctuated with incised dotting for textural effect A high hand polish accentuates the golden luster of the material. Darker streaks and markings occur around the ringed convex back of the carved shell. The design is beautifully integrated and the work has the desirable quality of resembling a natural object. Signed Yukimasa in a fluid hand without reserve. He is listed in Netsuke by Neil K. Davey, Sotheby 1974 Listed in The Art of the Netsuke Carver by F.Meinertzhagen, British Museum 1955.

Yukimasa, real name Tadami Uno. Born in November, 1914 in Gifu City, where he still lives. Originally wanted to be a painter; has exhibited and won prizes with his photography. He studied under Koshin Akiyami, who carved netsuke, okimono, and Buddha statues in both ivory and wood, and whose father is a famous carver of fans. Yukimasa has been carving since 1930 and concentrates on netsuke for foreign collectors. He is especially well known for his animals and original designs portraying life and customs of the Edo period. Usually use ivory but occasionally boxwood. Sometimes use stain, color, or inlay. His wife Harue assisted him by doing staining, coloring and polishing. He is using the name Yukimasa on good works, Masatomo on works of medium quality, and Tomoichi on animals.