Private Collection | Antique
Japanese Netsuke Monkey
Beating
Large Drum
Signed: Gyokushi, Circa: early 1900S'
H
1.5 in.(4cm), W 1.5 in.(4cm), D 1
in.(2.5cm) Condition: excellent! An
expressive monkey beats a large drum in this antique netsuke in cream colored
ivory with age patina, engraving with sumi. The monkey, although it is one of
the twelve zodiacal animals, is generally not esteemed as a noble creature, but
rather one that must be indulged, with all its trickery and mischief, lest it
fail to thwart the demons it influences, and cause bad luck. The monkey is dressed
in a short kimono and is beating a hirado taiko, a booming drum, to announce his
importance. The work is nicely variegated in color, with white highlights glossy
from handling.
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