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Japanese Edo Ivory Netsuke
Rakan
Lifting
Puzzle Ball
Signature: unsigned. Circa: 19th Century
H
1.75 in.(4.5cm), W 1.5 in.(4cm),
D 1.25
in.(3cm)
Condition:
excellent! Antique
ivory netsuke, carved from gem quality ivory of a pure even cream color, very
dense and well marked with a silken gloss of wear, and though unsigned, it is
finely carved with spirit and subtlety, exemplifying the flamboyance and exuberant
humor of the Edo artists. The spiraling brows and beard of the sage bristle about
an expression of delighted laughter, the dark eyes open wide with delight. Engraving
of hair lines and pupils with sumi, sumptuous rendering of draped fabric with
fluttering edges. The amused Rakan holds up a puzzle ball, an invitation to ponder
the inscrutable.
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