The
netsuke of a snake slithers atop the center of an anatomically well carved skull.
It is a gruesome image of death, and a heightened awareness of the short duration
in life. Which is fundamental in Buddhist teachings. Since such snake on skull
netsuke was also considered as a lucky charm in the old Japan, they were particularly
popular among samurai(s), gamblers and drifters.
Signed mid way to the right in small kanji, Sadakazu was a Kyoto carver active
in the mid to late 19th century. His bold exaggeration of form and characterization
indicated that he was greatly influenced by masters such as Masanao and Tomokazu.
Judging from this robust netsuke, Sadakazu is undoubtedly a fine netsuke-shi well
deserved our acknowledgement.
