NETSUKE: HOTEI WITH STIFF FAN.
Japan. Edo period. 18th c.

Hotei; the god of good fortune; standing in a belted robe with wide; swinging sleeves; his stiff fan in his raised right hand; holding the belt with his left hand; exposing his prominent belly. Ivory; well-carved and polished; the robe embellished with a minutely engraved and lightly stained; dense pattern of chrysanthemum-blossoms and borders with geometric ornaments. Signed on a rectangular reserve: Masamori. See MCI; p. 435/6; who states he has seen 6 netsuke by this carver; and classifies him as a pupil of Yoshinaga or Yoshitomo; yet our piece was not one of them. Beautiful; partly golden-yellow; shiny natural patina. H.6.8cm. 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.