115 - Ɏ RAKU: AN IMPRESSIVE LARGE MARINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A SHIITAKE MUSHROOM

Ɏ RAKU: AN IMPRESSIVE LARGE MARINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A SHIITAKE MUSHROOM By Raku, signed Raku 乐 Japan, Osaka, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Boldly carved as a single shiitake mushroom of unusually large and pleasingly chunky proportions, the broad domed cap supported on a thick, gently curving stem with a softly swelling base. The superbly polished surface and smoothly rounded contours give the piece a particularly satisfying haptic quality, while the underside of the cap and stem are delicately incised with fine naturalistic lines. The restrained treatment and compact, well-balanced form allow the impressive scale and remarkable size of the marine ivory section to take full effect. Large, asymmetrical himotoshi to the stem and signed RAKU within a rectangular reserve. HEIGHT 6 cm Condition: Excellent condition with minor wear and natural imperfections including two nerve channels visible at both ends. The name Raku is associated with artists trained by, or associated with, Risuke Garaku of Osaka, working around 1800 and later. Literature comparison: Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of a shiitake mushroom by the same artist, signed Raku, illustrated in Neil K. Davey, Netsuke: A Comprehensive Study Based on the M.T. Hindson Collection (1974), p. 39, no. 78. 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.