AN IVORY NETSUKE OF RAIJIN BEATING HIS DRUM Lot n° 45

Ivory netsuke with horn inlays Japan late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) The God of thunder Raijin, with two horns like an oni, long hair and pronounced rib cage, is seated on a dense congregation of clouds holding one hand on his daiko drum. The other hand holds a large drum stick with which he beats the drum, creating thunder. Both sides are adorned with a mitsudomo-e, “triple-comma”, and the edges of the drum are carefully inlaid with dark horn buttons. The size contrast of the massive drum compared to the little devil is quite amusing. Good detailed carving of the clouds with himotoshi on the underside. HEIGHT 3.4 CM, WIDTH 4.3 CM Condition: General in good condition. Some of the inlays are missing. Worn deep-yellow patina, especially on the underside, and some age cracks. A nick to one finger. Provenance: British private collection