211 - KORAKUSAI: A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF A NINGYO

KORAKUSAI: A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF A NINGYO By Korakusai, signed Korakusai 古樂齋 Japan, Edo (Tokyo), early 19 th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Boldly carved as a ningyo, the mythical mer-creature with a human head and upper body merging seamlessly into the long, sinuous tail of a fish. The figure rests low to the ground, both hands raised and grasping its long flowing hair, while the elongated tail curls tightly around itself to form a compact, rounded composition. The scaly surface of the tail is boldly incised, contrasting with the smoothly modeled upper body. The enigmatic face is animated by gilt-metal-inlaid eyes. Large asymmetrical himotoshi to the underside and signed KORAKUSAI within an oval reserve. LENGTH 6 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor expected wear. Ningyo are mythical half-human, half-fish creatures corresponding to the mermaid of Western traditions. Their imagery may have been influenced by sightings of unfamiliar marine animals such as dugongs, which were transformed in the imagination into human-fish beings. Netsuke depictions most commonly show the female ningyo cradling a child or holding the sacred jewel (tama) associated with the Dragon King of the sea. The present example represents a rarer variation, depicting the creature alone, delicately grasping strands of its long flowing hair. Museum comparison: Compare a related wood netsuke by the same artist, signed Korakusai, depicting a man and mermaid, 3.2 cm wide, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 10.211.1726.