Until 2nd May, 2025
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A WOOD NETSUKE OF KAKKYO’S WIFE AND CHILD
LOT 151 - NE0524
Unsigned
Japan, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Boldly carved as a young woman, wearing a long flowing robe and floral headdress, holding her small child in her arms, which turns towards her. This type of netsuke is traditionally identified as Kakkyo’s wife from the classic Confucian text The Twenty-four Filial Exemplars. While closely related examples exist by Garaku of Osaka, the overall style of the present netsuke suggests a carver from the early Edo school. Beautifully functional and asymmetrical himotoshi to the back.
HEIGHT 7.2 cm
Condition: Very good condition with minor expected wear and a few tiny nicks here and there.
According to the 9th story of The Twenty-four Filial Exemplars, written by Guo Jujing during the Chinese Yuan dynasty (1260-1368), Guo Ju (Kakkyo) lived with his mother, wife, and son. He was known for being very filial to his mother. However, his family was poor, and Guo became worried when he realized that his family’s food supply was unable to feed four people. After discussing with his wife, they made the painful decision to bury their son alive, so that they would have one less mouth to feed. He also felt that he and his wife could have another child again, but he could not have his mother back if he lost her. While Guo was digging, he discovered a pile of gold and a note which said that the gold was a gift to him from Heaven. With the gold, Guo was able to provide for his whole family.
Literature comparison:
Compare a closely related wood netsuke of Kakkyo’s wife and child, by Garaku, in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 71.
Museum comparison:
Compare a closely related wood netsuke of Kakkyo’s wife and child, by Garaku, formerly in the Trumpf collection, and now in the Linden Museum Stuttgart, inventory number OA 18634.
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