Antique
Japanese Shibiyama Netsuke Jeweled
Elephant
Coral, Horn and Pearl Inlays
Netsuke Signature: Masaharu, late 18th Century Masaharu
is listed in: Netsuke by Neil K. Davey Pub. Sotheby 1982 Netsuke: 112 Masterpieces:
The Trumpf Collection Linden-Museum Arnoldsche 2000 Netsuke A Guide for Collectors
Mary Louise O’Brien Pub. Tuttle, Tokyo 1965 h.
1.75 in.(4.5cm), w. 2 in.(5cm), d. 1.25 in.(3cm)
Condition: cracklines, o.a. very good Masaharu
is a well listed carver dating to the 18th-19th Century, known for his works in
wood and ivory; a versatile master whose subjects included gods, human figures,
animals and snakes. Finely carved and extravagantly decorated, an nearly identical
Masaharu elephant is also in the collection of the Art
Gallery of Greater Victoria in British Columbia.
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Private Collection
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sacred white elephant is majestically caparisoned, the headstall embellished with
pearl inlay and strands of hanging jewels which are repeated on the sides and
back with inlays of gold, black, turquoise, quartz and ivory beads, the saddle
cloth engraved with chrysanthemum flowers and stems. A deep golden patina enhances
the surface; richly stained darks emphasize the graphic quality of the piece,
which is well carved with lifelike expression. A single hole on the bottom with
pearl sunburst border. Signed in a cartouche: Masaharu. The
White Elephant promised peace and abundance to the monarch who possessed such
a rare animal. It would not be taken to war or ridden in procession, but was kept
within the confines of the palace, entrusted to the care of senior officials,
fed well, washed regularly, and worried over constantly. The last Burmese king,
Thibaw, adorned his favorite white elephant with treasures--his forehead was decked
with a spray of diamonds to ward off evil spirits; diamonds were set into each
tusk. A gold plaque, inscribed with his titles, hung from his head - gold pendants
hung from his ears. Four golden umbrellas protected him from the heat of the sun.
Above his gold feeding trough, a mirror specially ordered from France was installed
to reflect his splendor.
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