Ɏ A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF TEKKAI SENNIN Unsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Finely carved from a triangular section of ivory, the sennin supporting himself with his gnarled staff as he stands on one foot. His face bearing a stern expression, his brows furrowed, lips upturned, and his mouth slightly ajar revealing finely detailed teeth. The immortal is wearing a loosely fitted robe with leaves and long draping sleeves, typical of these hermits. Two well-hollowed himotoshi to the back, the larger hole generously excavated to accommodate the knot. HEIGHT 8.5 cm Condition: Good condition, minor wear, one foot repaired. Museum comparison: A closely related ivory netsuke of Rakan Handaka Sonja, Osaka school and likely carved by the same hand or studio, is in the Linden Museum Stuttgart, inventory number OA 18692. Literature comparison: Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of Tekkai Sennin looking upwards, in the Michael Tomkinson collection, illustrated in Joly, Henri L. (1908) Legend in Japanese Art, p. 510, previously offered by Rosemary Bandini. Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 24-B-0135). 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.