19th Century Japanese Netsuke Sambaso
Court Dancer
Signature: Shogetsu, Circa: Edo-early Meiji
Recorded
artist in The Comprehensive Study Based On The MT Hindson Collection by NK
Davey #2439
2) Y. Okada Netsuke Tokyo 1951 3) Reikichi, U. The Netsuke Handbook of Ueda
Reikichi 4) Private notes of W.W. Winkworth H
2.75 in.(7cm), W 1.75 in.(4.5cm), D 1 in.(2.5cm) Condition: excellent
A superb
cream white netsuke carving by Shogetsu, a netsuke-shi listed in Netsuke by Neil
K. Davey as working between 1804-1830, depicting a Sambaso dancer in ceremonial
attire. Masterfully carved with distinctive characterization and supremely delicate
handling of details--the thin folding fan with its separated blades, the braided
rope tied under the dancer’s chin, the fluttering fine-edged silk sleeves and
engraved embroideries with themes of water, earth and heaven as plants, waves,
and birds among clouds. Contours of the face are rendered with perfection, the
eyes and brows fine and expressive. The stance is lively and naturalistic, the
dancer gripping the handle of the suzu bells as he shakes them to ward off any
remaining kami, demons or ghosts. |
Private Collection |