Until 1st Jan, 2025
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MASAHISA: A LARGE NAGOYA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF KIYOHIME
LOT 156 - NE1124
By Masahisa, signed Masahisa 正久
Japan, Nagoya, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Boldly carved to depict the serpentine monster winding around the bell of Dojo-ji, her scales meticulously rendered, and the tail terminating in a ken blade. Dressed in a heavy robe, the vengeful witch covers her long flowing hair with a cloak, as she leans against the bell, slightly hunched forwards with a somber expression, one hand tugging furiously at her hair, the other holding a T-shaped striker. The bell is adorned with raised studs, floral medallions, and surmounted by a double dragon-headed handle. The large netsuke is beautifully worn, bearing a fine, unctuous patina. Himotoshi through the bell and signed in partially worn ukibori characters to the underside MASAHISA.
HEIGHT 4.9 cm
Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and traces of use. Beautiful, deep patina.
In this tragic story, Kyohime fell in love with a Buddhist monk named Anchin but was rejected. In despair she pursues the monk and transforms herself into a Hannya-like demon with a snake body and horned head. The pursued Anchin hides under a temple bell. When she discovers him there, she wraps her snake body around the bell and the glow of her passion melts the metal and burns the poor monk hiding in the bell.
Literature comparison:
Masahisa is a rare and early Nagoya School artist with only five netsuke recorded in Fuld’s Netsuke and Ojime Index, one being a Ningyo in the British Museum, formerly in the collection of Sir Augustus Wollaston Franks (collection number F.762), illustrated in Barker & Smith (1976) Netsuke: The Miniature Sculpture of Japan, p. 99, no. 172.
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