| Antique
Popping Eyes Trick Netsuke
Shoki
To Catch An Oni
Netsuke
Signature: Gyokuichi, Circa: 19th century
Recorded in: Netsuke, A Comprehensive Study Based on
the M.T. Hindson
Collection by Neil K. Davey, #403
H 2.5
in.(6.3cm.), W 1.5 in.(4cm.), D 1 in.(2.5cm.)
Condition: Excellent Standing
on one foot in perfect balance, Shoki the Ghost Eater, whose Chinese name is Zongkai
the Judge of Hell. He is a Buddhist deity commonly worshipped as a demon queller
in China and Japan, traditionally shown in an aggressive pose slaying demons with
drawn sword.However, given the characteristic Japanese love of laughter, Shoki
is often represented in netsuke as a comical hero. As depicted here, he is tricked
by the sharp witted oni atop of his large hat. Private Collection | 
|
Signed
on the base, the carver Gyokuichi is a 19th century netsukeshi recorded in the
M.T.Hindson's Collection by Neil K. Davey. As evidence in this series of netsuke,
he was greatly influenced by master carver Toen (1820-94), who is famoused for
his ningyo/doll combined ittobori style wood netsuke.. Though Gyokuichi never
achieved the status of his master, nevertheless, his trick netsuke in ivory were
made in many clever ways. His gods and heros are more silly than reverent, and
oni more humane than devilish. Throughout the subject matter in this "popping
eyes series", Gyokuichi is both bold and wild with a lively sense of humor. His
netsuke designs forgo most unnecessary details, but focus on what is tactile and
functional. Clearly, his main emphasis is to amuse and produce joy and laughter. |
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