131 - Ɏ KAWAMOTO SHURAKU: A VERY FINE TOKYO SCHOOL IVORY OKIMONO OF KAN’U STROKING HIS BEARD

Ɏ KAWAMOTO SHURAKU: A VERY FINE TOKYO SCHOOL IVORY OKIMONO OF KAN’U STROKING HIS BEARD By Kawamoto Shuraku (b. 1843), signed Kawamoto Shuraku sei Japan, Tokyo, late 19 th century, Meiji period (1868-1912) Superbly carved, the God of War Kan'u (Guan Yu) standing in a dignified pose, his stern face bearing a contemplative expression as he holds a scroll associated with the Spring and Autumn Annals in his right hand, while his left hand gently strokes his long, flowing beard. He wears voluminous robes finely incised with stylized cloud patterns, secured at the waist by a belt with a beast-mask clasp, the garments falling in deeply carved, billowing folds. Particular attention is devoted to the finely modeled facial features and hands, the slender fingers elegantly curling around the beard. Signed to the back KAWAMOTO SHURAKU sei [made by Kawamoto Shuraku]. HEIGHT 10.6 cm Condition: Excellent condition with minor typical wear. Kawamoto Shuraku (b. 1843), also known as Shojosai Shuraku, was a distinguished Japanese ivory carver of the Tokyo school. At the age of eleven, he entered the workshop of Hara Shugetsu, under whom he trained for ten years. He subsequently produced finely carved okimono, netsuke, vases, and pipecases for his patron Tsuji Sobei. Remarkably, Shuraku was represented at the Vienna World's Fair of 1873 by a life-size skeleton, demonstrating his exceptional technical skill and versatility. The exhibition marked Japan's first official participation in an international world's fair and played an important role in introducing Japanese craftsmanship to European audiences. The present okimono exemplifies Shuraku's refined sculptural technique, particularly in the sensitive modeling of the face and hands and the intricate treatment of the flowing robes. Guan Yu (died 220), known as Kan'u in Japan, was a celebrated Chinese general who served under the warlord Liu Bei during the late Eastern Han dynasty. Revered for his loyalty, courage, and martial prowess, he was subsequently deified as the God of War. Particularly renowned for his 'peerless beard,' Guan Yu is frequently represented stroking his long facial hair while contemplating the Spring and Autumn Annals, a Confucian classic associated with his wisdom and moral integrity. The present okimono beautifully captures this iconic image, with particular emphasis on the elegant gesture of his slender fingers caressing his legendary beard. Auction comparison: Compare a related ivory okimono netsuke of a peasant woman and child, by Kawamoto Shuraku, dated to the 19th century, 9.5 cm high, at Bonhams, The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke, 8 November 2016, London, lot 35 (sold for GBP 3,500 or approx. EUR 6,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing). 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.