Antique
Japanese Ivory Netsuke
Mouse
Traveler
Carrying Treasure Bag
Signature:
Gyokuseki, Circa: late 19th Century
h.
2.2 in.(5.6cm), w. 1 in.(2.5cm), d. 1.2 in.(3cm)
Condition: excellent! In
traditional Japan the Mouse was considered a harbinger of good luck and fortune.
Carved in ivory this netsuke mouse, like the beneficent Hotei, carries a plump
bag of goodies that is covered in the same subtle geometric designs that embellish
the mouse's jinbei. He carries a knotted walking stick and has wonderful feet
that are quite fine in their rodent realism. The details of his face are rendered
with delightful accuracy. His eyes made of umimatsu (black coral) gleam shiny
and bright.
The figure is signed on the sole of the left foot by the artist Gyokuseki
and is placed in the early 20th century. (SD)
Sold
to Private Collection
| 
