AN IVORY NETSUKE OF FUKUROKUJU AND TWO KARAKO... Lot n° 47

Ivory netsuke Japan 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) A child in Chinese clothes (Karako) is climbing on the longevity god’s exaggeratedly large head, whilst another tries to climb up on him pulling on the deities beard. He is holding a scroll in his left hand and has a charming expression. The ivory bears a good colour and patina and Fukurokuju’s beard is very well carved. Himotoshi and signature on the back SHOZAN. HEIGHT 8.2 CM Condition: Excellent condition Provenance: Collection of Sam Felton with CITES permit no. 18US59513C/9 Literature: Compare to a similar model by Shozan of Fukurokuju with three Karako in ‘Netsuke & Inro Artists and how to read their signatures’ by George Lazarnick, 1981, page 984.