Fine Antique Japanese Ivory Okimono
Wood Cutter
Ringing Bell
Signature: Mitsumasa, Meiji, 19th Century
Recorded in: 1) The Signature Book George Lazarnick Reed Pub. 1976
2) Reikichi, The Netsuke Handbook Tokyo 1961 No. 693
3) Meinertzhagen, F. The Art of the Netsuke Carver, London, 1955
h. 4.5 in.(11.5cm), w. 1.75 in.(4.5cm), d. 1.5 in.(4cm)
Condition: minor loss, cracklines

A fine okimono in cream to golden tones varying across the surface. Details of the eyes and hair have been engraved in strokes of black, while the embroideries and various other details have been filled with sepia ink. An excellent example of okimono created by the well-known netsuke-shi Mitsumasa, a member of the Nagoya school of Ittan. Early in the westernization that took place during the Meiji period, the demand for netsuke was on the demise and many netsuke carvers turned to carving okimono, one result being the production of excellent works inspired by the everyday life and culture of traditional Japan.

The woodsman has lowered his axe and paused, perhaps to announce his presence to creatures with a bell as a way to avoid accidentally killing them. His garb includes straw shoes and leggings, baggy pants and a robe embroidered with geometric and foliate motifs. His straw hat hangs behind him from a braided cord, his pleated sash is tied in a loop; from it hangs his drinking gourd; at his feet is a basket of peonies.