Large Antique Japanese Ivory Netsuke
Three Karako
Matsuri-bayashi
Signature: Masayuki, Circa: 19th century
H 1.7 in.(4.5cm), W 1.8 in.(4.5cm), D 1.6 in.(4cm)
Condition: excellent!

The Japanese word for festival is Matsuri. This delightful ivory netsuke from the 19th century shows a festival in full swing with each of the three figures playing the traditional instruments of the Matsuri-Bayashi. Matsuri-bayashi is the lively music that accompanies divine processions at festival time.

Sold to Private Collection

Here our musicians have symbols inscribed with the character for "Good Fortune", a bamboo flute, and two taiko-style stick drums: a large barrel drum (which displays intricate wood-grain detail) and a small hand-held drum. The musicians' kimonos and costumes each have unique textile designs etched into the ivory. The soles of their slippers have finely differentiated treads. A book and a scrolled mat complete the processional regalia.

The artist of the piece, Hosunsai Masayuki is recorded and is considered a master, a genius by authoritative netsuke writer Neil K Davey. The artist's signature plate is etched in red coral at the bottom of the drum in a raised square reserve. (SD)