An Ivory Netsuke

EDO PERIOD (18TH CENTURY)

Details
An Ivory Netsuke
Edo Period (18th Century)
Of a tall standing figure of Kakkio with his son tucked into the front of his kimono, a hoe over his shoulder, wearing a woven hat with an upturned brim

Lot Essay

Kakkio (Kwoh K'u), the Chinese paragon of filial piety was too poor to support his aged mother. Prepared to sacrifice his son in order to provide for her, he dug a grave for the baby, but the gods rewarded him for his piety, for while he was digging the grave his hoe struck upon a pot full of gold, upon which was inscribed "Heaven's gift to Kakkio, let no one take it from him".

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