AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A TAOIST SAGE WITH A BOOK... Lot n° 36

Ivory netsuke Japan, Kyoto 20th century This figural netsuke does not at all look like it was made by a contemporary carver. In his great netsuke signature book, Lazarnick writes that “his work is now of top quality”. The depiction is full of finely crafted details, the wraithlike, smiling expression, the typical Taoist cap on the back of the head, the long Chinese robe of a dignitary with fine ornamental patterns. His robes are distinctly Chinese, however what is striking is the fact he is wearing sagemono around his belt in the form of a manju-netsuke in the shape of a chrysanthemum blossom tied to an inro. The bearded sage is reading a book and holding a long cane with an accentuated, gnarled top. Himotoshi on the back and signature MEIKEI within an oval reserve on the underside behind the soles of his feet. HEIGHT 5.7 CM Condition: Chip to one side of the robe and a small nick on the end of the staff – otherwise good condition Provenance: Austrian private collection