NETSUKE: FISHER WITH OCTOPUS.
Japan. Edo period. Ca. 1800.

Kensu as a fisherman; with a concentrated expression; bare head surrounded by a semicircle of dense locks and with the typical ear-lobes of a Sennin. He is very tall and long-legged; wearing a short; belted; and short-sleeved garment; standing behind a tall catching-pot from which an anxious little octopus is peering up at him; surrounded by a few small tentacles with suction cups; while the fisherman is hauling a huge long tentacle with both hands and all his might; bending back with the effort. Marine ivory; with a beautiful glossy surface and very good; warm; in parts shiny; natural patina. The long; curved netsuke stands in balance on its small feet. Kensu is usually shown with a large shrimp on his shoulder; though as a Sennin the octopus too is his companion creature; (see Koji Hoten; "pieuvre"; vol.II; p.171/72. Vol.I; p.480; plate XXVII; no. 12 shows Kensu as a priest with a head very like ours; holding both creatures; shrimp and octopus. H.12;1cm. Condition A.

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.