JAPAN 1910 Meiji Polychromate Netsuke of Hotei Carved In Ivory

Japanese Meiji period netsuke of Hotei.

This is an exceedingly beautiful netsuke, created during the imperial Japan in the Meiji period, back in he 1910. The netsuke has been carefully carved in ivory and decorated with black ink and polychromate with vivid colors. The image is the seated and dressed figure of Hotei as a bald man, smiling and happy, with three small children (Karako) hidden in his robe. The Hotei Buddha is one of the Shichi Fukujin, or Seven Lucky Gods, in Japanese Shintoism. Hotei is a god of good luck and good fortune and may be called the ''Laughing Buddha. '' He is also known as the ''cloth sack'' monk or Budai in China. This piece retains the original aged patina of over 100 years old and will be a great addition for your desk, Japanese antiques collection, netsuke collection or just for your bijouterie cabinet. Fitted with the traditional two holes for the cord.

Netsuke

A netsuke is a small sculpture which developed as an art form in Japan over a period of more than three hundred years. Netsuke originally served both functional and aesthetic purposes, but in modern times they have become extremely collectable. Netsuke served as anchors or counterweights for inrô and sagemono. A single cord was threaded through a cord channel on one side of the suspended container, through two holes (himotoshi) in the netsuke, then through the other side of the container, and knotted on the underside of the container.

Meiji period

This is an era of Japanese history that extended from October 23, 1868 to July 30, 1912.The Meiji era was the first half of the Empire of Japan, when the Japanese people moved from being an isolated feudal society at risk of colonization by Western powers to the new paradigm of a modern, industrialized nation state and emergent great power, influenced by Western scientific, technological, philosophical, political, legal, and aesthetic ideas. As a result of such wholesale adoption of radically different ideas, the changes to Japan were profound, and affected its social structure, internal politics, economy, military, and foreign relations. The period corresponded to the reign of Emperor Meiji. It was preceded by the Keiō era and was succeeded by the Taishō era, upon the accession of Emperor Taishō.

Year: 1910.

Technique: Carved, engraved, colors polychromate and tinted with black ink.

Signature: Signed at the bottom with a red lacquer oval cartouche.

Weight: 34.95 Grams.

Measurements: 32 mm by 33 mm by 36 mm (1.26 x 1.30 x 1.42 Inches).

Disclosure Note: This is an antique relics piece, with over 100 years old or more and originally carved during the Meiji dynasty (1868-1912) in Japan.

Condition: The overall condition of this netsuke is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage and all parts are secured in their settings. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.

INVENTORY REF: D070824MENU/.2341