Beschreibung:

By Tozan, signed Tozan 東山 Japan, Kyoto, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) An unusually large, thick, and heavy ivory netsuke of sankaku (triangular) type, carved in the distinct style of the Yoshinaga-school of Kyoto. Depicted is the lucky god Hotei with one foot slightly raised, pulling on the hem of his voluminous robe, his large smooth belly protruding, the expressively carved face framed by thick pendulous earlobes. Hotei is laughing as a karako with large bushy hair tufts climbs up over his shoulder, holding a fan and sticking his tongue out. The pupils are inlays of dark horn. Various elaborate patterns and designs are incised on their garments. Large, functional himotoshi through the back and signed TOZAN. The ivory bearing a fine patina, particularly to the back which is pleasingly worn to a warm and lustrous yellow color. HEIGHT 7.4 cm Condition: Very good condition with associated surface wear and natural age cracks. The himotoshi show signs of use. Provenance: Old French collection Jules Cherki. Very little is known about Tozan who clearly worked in Kyoto and was affiliated with Yoshinaga and Yoshitomo. His works are exceedingly scarce. The present piece shows his superior ability to imbue an astonishing amount of character, charm, and humor into expressions, certainly making him a notable member of the Yoshi-school. Literature comparison: Another netsuke (not illustrated) of the same subject by Tozan is recorded in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 957.