SALE Carved Ivory Japanese Netsuke Hotei with Bag

Vintage Collectibles : Oriental : Netsuke

 

Exquisitely hand carved ivory with fine details. The Netsuke is of Hotei, God of Contentment & Happiness and one of the Seven Lucky Gods of Japan. Hotei is often referred to as the happy or laughing Buddha. He is based a monk that lived in China in 900 AD. This figure has him holding a large bag. His bag is said to always be full with gifts or food to feed the poor. There is a large calligraphy character on the back of his bag. The holes for the cord are on his posterior. The piece is signed. The base measures 1" x 5/8". It stands 2" tall.

A netsuke is a form of miniature sculpture which developed in Japan over a period of more than three hundred years. Netsuke served both functional and aesthetic purposes. The kimono, the traditional form of Japanese dress, had no pockets. Men suspended their tobacco pouches, pipes, purses, or writing implements on a silk cord from their obi (kimono sash). These hanging objects are called sagemono. To stop the cord from slipping through the obi, a small toggle was attached. The toggle is called a Netsuke. Originally invented out of necessity, the Netsuke soon became an art form as many other items in Japanese culture.

Netsuke production used for attire peaked during the Edo period in Japan, around 1615-1868. After 1868, when European style clothing became popular, carving continued for decorative purposes to meet the demand from European collectors.

The Netsuke I have listed were carved in Japan sometime in the 20th century for decorative purposes. The style is katabori or figural netsuke.

Item ID: RubyNetsuke18

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