Antique
Japanese Manju Netsuke
Rosei's
Dream
Shishiaibori
(sunken relief)
Signature: Kosai. Circa: 19th century
H
1.25 in.(5cm), W 1.5 in.(4cm), D .25
in.(0.6cm)
Condition:
excellent! A
classic manju form like a large button with paired himotoshi at the back. Well
marked ivory showing some wear from handling along with the rich age patina. Engraving
with sumi; deeply etched contours depicting Rosei’s Dream, kebori sparrow dancers
on the back.
Private Collection |  |
| The
carving depicts the tale of Han Dan, a prime minister who was so rich he lost
his appreciation of life. Given a special pillow by a monk, he dreamed of a mountain
of silver. Upon waking Han Dan realized the uselessness of great wealth, and came
to respect the sanctity of life alone. On the back of the manju are lightly carved
in kebori two sparrow dancers. Sparrow dancers perform at festivals in which Han
Dan, the god of material wealth, is burned in effigy.
| | | | | | |  |  | | | |  |  | | | |
|
