| Antique
Japanese Netsuke
Fukurokuju
Company with Goat
Netsuke
Signature: Tomomitsu, Mid 19th Century
Recorded
in: 1) "Netsuke" by Neil K. Davey, #2991
2) "The Netsuke handbook of Ueda
Reikichi", #1209
3) " The Signature Book " by George Lazarnick, pg. 395
h. 1.4 in.(3.4cm.), w. 1.6 in.(4cm.), d. 1 in.(2.5cm.)
Condition: Excellent 
This
small yet intimate portraiture of the God of Longevity, cheerfully smiling with
goat-teeth, holding a staff with scroll, and accompanied by a goat-- the eighth
symbolic animal of the Twelve Terrestrial Branches, which stands for the retired
life; perhaps an indication of the sweet sentiment of the carver at his golden
years. Based on the integrity of this amazingly spirited work, Tomomitsu is clearly
a note worthy master carver, and rightfully deserved the comparison often associated
with the work of the famed Tomochika. |
Private Collection
| Fukurokujo
was introduced to Japan from China in the 15th century. There is a misconception
that he is a representation of Lao-tze (Roshi). Though undoubtedly his demeanor
may look Daoist to some, the name "Fukurokuju" is actually a combination of three
Chinese characters, "Fu", "Lu", and "Shu" which represent three Chinese Star Gods
of Good Fortune. In addition, the identity of Fukurokujo is also mixed with that
of Jurojin, who often looks so much like him that they are almost indistinguishable. |
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