AZAN: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF A CHUBBY HARE

AZAN: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF A CHUBBY HARE By Azan, signed Azan 亜山 Japan, Nagoya, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Charmingly carved as a very chubby rabbit (usagi), seated on its rear haunches, the head raised as it sniffs the air, the face with plump cheeks and eyes that are ringed, raised and polished, the ears pulled back and paws drawn in for compactness. The fur is finely engraved with bold strokes and the wood is elegantly stained and appealingly worn. Very large and generously excavated himotoshi to the underside and signed AZAN within a rectangular reserve. LENGTH 3.9 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear and some light surface scratches. The artist appears to be very rare with only very few works recorded, likely due to the fact that the signature is rather obscure. For another netsuke by this artist, depicting a kappa very much in the manner of Hideharu of Nagoya, signed Azan, see Sotheby’s, Japanese Prints, Paintings and Works of Art, 19 November 1998, London, lot 1438. Since a rabbit’s hind legs are set up in a way that only allows them to move forward, they have long been known as a symbol of advancement. Across Japanese folklore, the rabbit was promoted in many myths as an emblem of cleverness and self-devotion and it is believed that those born during a rabbit year are not only the most fortunate, but talented, ambitious, virtuous and reserved. They are known to have exceedingly fine taste and are regarded with admiration and trust. Literature comparison: The somewhat rustic carving and manner of bold engraving to the fur is reminiscent of Tametaka of Nagoya, who likely was affiliated with Azan in some manner. For a related netsuke of a reclining hare, by Tametaka, see Sagemonoya (2002) Netsuke, Ojime & Masatoshi’s Kabuki, no. 121.