NETSUKE: KIYOHIME AND ANCHIN.
Japan. Edo period. 19th c.

Ivory; very finely carved; engraved; and stained. Kiyohime; with agressively opened mouth; winding around the bell of the Miidera Temple. She is holding a hammer in her left hand to toll the bell; in order to entice the hidden Anchin; of whom only the feet and the kimono are visible beneath. Height 4.8cm; width 4.4cm. Sign.: Tomochika; cf. MCI p. 885ff. Condition B/C. Handle of the hammer broken off.

Please note that objects made of ivory; rhinoceros horn and turtle shell; due to Cites regulations can only be sold within the European Community. At present the export in third countries is prohibited.
Art trade; Van Ham.