Antique
Japanese Ivory Netsuke
Ritaihaku
Leaning
on Wine Jug
Signature: unsigned. Circa: mid
19th century
h.
1.1 in.(2.8cm), w. 1.2 in.(3.5cm), d. 1 in.(2.5cm)
Condition: usage worn, o.a. very good A
wonderful little netsuke of the famous Chinese poet Ritaihaku (Chinese: Li Po),
carved in a well known reference possibly from a Chinese painting. The netsuke
is unsigned, its size and motif indicating its mid 19th century origins. The poet
leans on an emptied wine jug; etched clouds blow across his robe. Balancing his
full cup on his knee he smiles, drunkenly. Legend has it that his he died in pursuit
of the moon and its reflection on the ocean, falling in and drowning while trying
to lift it from the water. A fine piece of well carved ivory very, tactile and
warm in excellent condition. 
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