Antique
Zodiac Ivory Netsuke
Moon
Rabbit
With Mortar
Netsuke Signature: Eiichi, circa: Late
19th Century
1) The Netsuke Handbook byUeda
Reikichi, #94
2) Netsuke, A Comprehensive Study Based On The
M T Hindson Collection" by Neil K Davey, #278
h. 1.75 in.(4.5cm.), w. 1.25 in.(3cm.),
d. 1 in.(2.5cm.)
Condition: Excellent
This
charming netsuke depicts the Lunar Rabbit standing on the
cloud bank, mixing the elixir of life with pestle and mortar.
A story of Chinese origin in which the Lunar Rabbit is a pet
of the moon goddess Shang-or. She was the Queen of a tyrant
king. For fear that his tyranny would impose endless suffering
to the people, Shang-or consumed all his elixir and immediately
became an immortal. She then raised up to the moon with her
rabbit in arms.
The
superb artistry of this netsuke lies in its restraint. By
avoiding redundant details, the carver has succeeded in creating
a compact and bold composition, which conveys sophistication
in its design as a netsuke. The netsuke has a rich honey colored
patina with an even shine. and is in mint condition. A similar
netsuke by Shigemasa is currently in the collection of the
University of Pennsylvania.
