Beschreibung:

Lot details Unsigned Japan, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) The demon queller in a deep slumber, seated in a relaxed pose atop an openworked stool, one hand supporting his weary head and the other resting on his lap, wearing voluminous robes with neatly carved folds, his trusty sword sheathed and tied to his back, his finely incised hair elegantly falling over his back. At his feet kneels a frightful oni with the mouth wide open, desperately trying to wake Shoki, although the reason – after all, they are mortal enemies – remains elusive. HEIGHT 4.6 cm Condition: Good condition, appealingly worn, expected age cracks, natural imperfections to the material. Superb, lustrous, deep honey-yellow patina. Provenance: French private collection. The present netsuke, especially in its treatment of the oni, which is expressively carved and has a characteristically wide face, is typical of the Hakata school of carvers, the most notable member being of course Matsushita Otoman. Compare the manner of the carving of the oni on the present lot with a related ivory netsuke of an oni, attributed to Otoman, illustrated in Bandini, Rosemary (2001) Expressions of Style, Netsuke as Art, Scholten Japanese Art, New York, p. 53, no. 67. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.