Ɏ KAIGYOKU MASATSUGU: A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF JO AND UBA INSIDE A PINECONE

Ɏ KAIGYOKU MASATSUGU: A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF JO AND UBA INSIDE A PINECONE School of Kaigyokusai Masatsugu (1813-1892), signed Kaigyoku Masatsugu 懐玉 正次 Japan, Osaka or Tokyo, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912) Depicting a pinecone, carved from two parts, hinged together and openable, the lustrous exterior superbly polished, naturalistically carved, and with pine needles, the inside revealing a densely carved and remarkably intricate depiction. The famous elderly couple Jo and Uba are nestled under an imposing pine tree, sharing tea. The other side of the pinecone is carved in relief with swirling clouds. Signed underneath KAIGYOKU MASATSUGU. HEIGHT 4 cm Condition: The hinged mechanism is repaired and a small section along the side with the crane skillfully reattached, otherwise in good condition and presenting very well. Provenance: Collection Gabor Orszagh, Budapest, Hungary. Jo and Uba, the pine spirits who were thought to inhabit two pines at Takasago and Sumiyoshi, are depicted here as an old couple. According to legend, Jo makes a trip to Sumiyoshi nightly to visit his love. The two spirits represent eternal fidelity, good fortune, and longevity. Auction comparison: Compare a near-identical ivory netsuke, attributed to Kaigyokusai Masatsugu, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 19 May 2009, London, lot 170 ( sold for GBP 3,600). 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.