Seven ivory netsuke

19TH CENTURY

Details
Seven ivory netsuke
19th Century
Of a terrapin on lotus leaves and flower buds, chip, signed Gyokuho; kidney-shaped, carved with a dream depicting the legend of Takasago, signed Genryosai; another similarly shaped with a scene, age cracks; a biwa [loquat] branch bearing three ginko nuts and acorns with scenes, one inlay missing, signed Ryugyoku, small chip; a group of ginko nuts with two nuts carved with scenes, signed Ryugyoku; five edamame, age cracks; and a chrysanthemum flowerhead
1 5/8in. (4.2cm.), 1¼in. (3.3cm.), 1¼in. (3.2cm.) long, 1½in. (3.8cm.), 1½in. (3.9cm.) wide, 1 3/8in. (3.4cm.) long and 1½in. (3.8cm.) wide respectively (7)

Lot Essay

In Takasago bay, Harima, according to legend, there is an old pine where the spirit of the maiden of Takasago dwells. She was once seen by the son of Izanagi, they fell in love, married and lived to a very old age. Their spirits reside in the tree and on moonlit nights they return taking on human forms. There is also a Noh play entitled "Takasago" in which Tomonari, the guardian of the shrine of Aso in Higo, Kyushu, on his way to see the capital and the bay of Takasago, encounters the spirits of the pine, Jo and Uba.

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