Ɏ AN OSAKA SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF FUKUROKUJU PLAYING KEMARI

Ɏ AN OSAKA SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF FUKUROKUJU PLAYING KEMARI Unsigned Japan, Osaka, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) A finely stained and carved ivory netsuke depicting Fukurokuju balancing a kemari ball, his left hand stroking his beard as he strides forward, lifting his robe above his raised leg, and kicking the small ball. He seems to greatly enjoy himself, and his facial features are carved to depict his playful demeanor. The Lucky God is dressed in voluminous robes decorated with karakusa and incised at the hems with geometric patterns. Generously excavated asymmetrical himotoshi to the back. HEIGHT 5.8 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear and few expected age cracks. Kemari, a popular athletic game during the Heian period (794-1185), is one of the earliest versions of football and it is a non-competitive game where the goal is to keep the ball in the air. Auction comparison: Compare a related ivory netsuke of Fukurokuju playing kemari, by Hidemasa, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 25 September 2020, Vienna, lot 38 ( sold for EUR 6,952). Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number FR2309200782-K). 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.