Kanu, whose Chinese name is Kuan Yu. Originally a general under the posterior of the Han dynasty (Three Kingdoms, 220-265 A.D.). He was later raised to the status of Emperor, and ennobled to be the God of War, and God of Literature during the Mid Ming Dynasty. Generally the image of Kanu is holding the Book of Spring and Autumn. Here he is depicted leaning mightily on a small table, possibly guarding the harem of Komei the wise councilor of the Han Emperor Lui Bei.

With rich honey patina and an even shine, hairlines and usage worn but not unattractively. The composition of this finely executed netsuke retains its force. Signed in an irregular reserve on the base, the signature Tomo has the distinctive strokes of the famed Tomochika (1800-1873). On the basis of a virtually identical piece recorded by Neil K Davey in "NETSUKE" #438 ( Formerly in Fairley Collection). This older version may be attributed the hand of Tomotane, a distinctive pupil of Tomochika during the early 19th century period. --J.C.