52 - A CHARMING AND RARE EBONY WOOD NETSUKE OF A STYLIZED HARE, SOKEN KISHO TYPE

A CHARMING AND RARE EBONY WOOD NETSUKE OF A STYLIZED HARE, SOKEN KISHO TYPE Unsigned Japan, 18 th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Boldly and sensitively carved from dense, lustrous ebony as a seated hare of highly stylized form, its compact body composed of broad, smoothly rounded volumes, the hindquarters tucked beneath it and the forepaws placed delicately together. The head is raised with a wonderfully alert expression, the long ears falling gracefully to either side, while the animal nibbles at a flowering sprig. The details are deliberately restrained yet remarkably effective, with finely incised hairwork concentrated around the head and chest, contrasting with the almost unadorned, highly polished surface of the rounded body. The eyes are inlaid in translucent amber, providing a striking accent against the deep black wood. Large asymmetrical himotoshi underneath. LENGTH 4.3 cm Condition: The forepaws are re-attached. Otherwise very good condition with old wear including light scratches and an old nick to the back. The present netsuke is a particularly compelling example of the bold and highly stylized character of early netsuke carving. Its economy of detail is deceptive: the sweeping contour of the back, elongated pendant ears, compact arrangement of the limbs, and delicately raised head combine to create an extraordinarily effective and immediately recognizable image of a hare. The lustrous ebony, used here to particularly striking effect, further emphasizes the almost sculptural purity of the form. The distinctive subject of a seated hare eating a leafy sprig is recorded in the Soken Kisho, published in 1781, providing an important contemporary precedent for this unusual composition. The present netsuke closely follows this early type in its compact posture and characteristic floral attribute. Recent study has further suggested that this distinctive manner of carving may be associated with Ogasawara Issai or a closely related hand. Issai was already singled out in the Soken Kisho as one of the outstanding carvers of his day, his work renowned for its refinement and technical accomplishment. The remarkable assurance of the present carving - stylized to an almost extreme degree yet wholly convincing in its expression and movement - would certainly be consistent with an accomplished early master. Literature comparison: Compare a related stylized and early ivory netsuke of a hare, with similar features, illustrated in Davey, Neil K. (1974) Netsuke: A Comprehensive Study Based on the M.T. Hindson Collection, no. 942.