220 - Ɏ ISSHIN: A VERY FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF AN USHIDOJI

Ɏ ISSHIN: A VERY FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF AN USHIDOJI By Isshin, signed Isshin 一真 Japan, Tokyo, late 19 th-early 20 th century, Meiji period (1868-1912) Finely carved as a youthful oxherd seated upon the back of a recumbent ox, playing a transverse flute held to his lips. The boy is dressed in loose robes, one leg casually drawn up while the other rests against the animal’s flank, and carries a finely worked woven basket strapped to his back. His face is sensitively rendered with a gentle expression, while the ox turns its head slightly to one side, its powerful form enlivened by deeply carved horns, a rope halter, and finely incised fur. The ivory is attractively stained and polished, the darker tones gathering in the recesses to accentuate the carving. Himotoshi to the underside and signed ISSHIN within an oval reserve. LENGTH 3.5 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and a tiny chip to the rim of the basket. Ushidoji, literally ‘ox boy’ or ‘ox-herding boy’, is a traditional subject in Japanese art depicting a youthful herdsman seated upon or accompanying an ox, frequently while playing a flute. The motif is closely associated with the celebrated Zen Buddhist Jugyuzu, or Ten Ox-Herding Pictures, a pictorial sequence illustrating stages on the path toward enlightenment. Particularly relevant is the sixth stage, ‘Riding the Ox Home’, in which the herdsman, having mastered the animal, rides peacefully upon its back while playing his flute, symbolizing the effortless harmony attained between the seeker and his true nature. Over time, however, the flute-playing oxherd also developed into a broader pastoral subject in Japanese art, evoking the tranquility and simplicity of rural life, with the powerful yet placid ox providing a pleasing contrast to the carefree youth. Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number FR2408300190-K). 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.