| Mid
19th Century Japanese Netsuke
Ikkaku
Seduced by Beauty
Netsuke
Signature: Mitsuyoshi
Recorded
artist in The Comprehensive Study Based
On The MT Hindson Collection by NK
Davey #1652
H
2.25 in.(5.5cm), W 1 in.(2.5cm), D 1 in.(2.5cm)
Condition: rope restored,
chip on toes The
name Ikkaku means “one horned.” Ikkaku is a magician who is generally shown with
a woman on his back. The story goes that Ikkaku inherited his occult powers from
his father and his horn from his mother, a deer. Ikkaku was leading a life of
piety and chastity until he fell from grace by surrendering to the power of a
beautiful woman. His trouble began when, during a storm, he slipped on the wet
ground and lost his temper. In his anger he used his power to lock up the Rain
Dragon in a cave. However with the Rain Dragon out of activity, a drought ensued
whereupon the king consulted his astrologers, who reported that the drought was
the work of sage living in the mountains, one whose spiritual powers would vanish
if he were to lose his chastity. The suggestion followed that a beautiful woman
be sent to tempt the holy man. The plot succeeded; Ikkaku was smitten with the
woman and agreed to accompany her on a journey back to her home. On the way she
complained of weariness so Ikkaku lifted her up on his back. When they reached
the city, Ikkaku, bereft of his magical powers, was summarily put to death by
the king, the spell over the Rain Dragon was broken, rain fell and the country
was saved from disaster. The tragedy of Ikkaku and his ruination through anger
and passion is frequently depicted in netsuke, such as this very fine example.
His countenance is pitiable, as if he has just realized his condition. The woman’s
visage, though delicately drawn, is that of a harridan. Poor Ikkaku, and that
is the whole matter. |
Private Collection
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