227 - Ɏ HAKUUNSAI: A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF TWO OTSU-E FIGURES, ONI NO NENBUTSU AND A TAKAJO

Ɏ HAKUUNSAI: A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF TWO OTSU-E FIGURES, ONI NO NENBUTSU AND A TAKAJO By Hakuunsai, signed Hakuunsai 白雲斎 Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19 th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Finely carved as an unusual Otsu-e-inspired group, with a falconer (takajo) seated before Oni no Nenbutsu, the repentant demon standing behind. The falconer looks upward toward the oni, holding a folded fan while a falcon perches on his gloved fist. Oni no Nenbutsu wears the robes of a mendicant priest, his face bearing a comical expression, holding a gong striker and subscription list. The robes are finely engraved with floral and geometric designs, heightened by dark staining. Himotoshi to the back and signed HAKUUNSAI on the subscription list. HEIGHT 4.2 cm Condition: Excellent condition with minor wear and expected small age cracks. The present composition brings together two established subjects of Otsu-e, the inexpensive folk paintings sold to travelers around Otsu during the Edo period. Oni no Nenbutsu, a demon dressed as a mendicant priest with gong and subscription list, humorously satirizes outward displays of piety, while the falconer (takajo) was another popular type. Their combination in a single netsuke is particularly unusual. Museum comparison: Compare a related ivory netsuke of a group of Otsu-e figures, by Hiroyuki, 4.5 cm long, in the British Museum, registration number F.990. Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number DE-KS-260312-0129). 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.