Ɏ A RARE MARINE TOOTH NETSUKE OF KIYOHIME

Ɏ A RARE MARINE TOOTH NETSUKE OF KIYOHIME Unsigned Japan, Osaka, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Finely carved and stained as the monstrous Kiyohime tightly wrapped around the Dojo-ji bell, her snake-like tail encircling the gong as she perches herself on the domed crown of the bell. The face with an enigmatic smile; one hand holding the striker while the other rests gently on the bell, supporting her weight. Dressed in a loose robe open at the chest revealing her emaciated body, the skin hanging loose over her gaunt frame, the hair parted down the middle, falling straight down her back. Himotoshi through the side of the bell. The marine tooth bearing a beautiful lustrous polish. HEIGHT 4.8 cm Condition: Good condition with old surface wear and expected age cracks. In this tragic story, Kyohime fell in love with a Buddhist monk named Anchin but was rejected. In despair she pursues the monk and transforms herself into a Hannya-like demon with a snake body and horned head. The pursued Anchin hides under a temple bell. When she discovers him there, she wraps her snake body around the bell and the glow of her passion melts the metal and burns the monk hiding in the bell. Literature comparison: Compare a related sperm whale tooth netsuke, attributed to Ogasawara Issai of Osaka, illustrated in Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (2008) Such Stuff as Dreams are made on. Japanese netsuke from the Willi G. Bosshard collection, no. 6. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related marine tooth netsuke of Kiyohime, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 28th April 2023, Vienna, lot 5 ( sold for EUR 2,340). This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.