SHOKO: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF RAIJIN WITH BATHING WOMAN

SHOKO: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF RAIJIN WITH BATHING WOMAN
By Shoko Suganoya, signed Suketada 亮忠 and sealed Shoko 尚古
Japan, Takayama, Hida school, second half of 19th century
The thunder god Raijin stepping out of a tub and onto a finely carved cloud trying to return to the heavens, holding a drumstick in one hand and a satchel filled with drums tied around his shoulders, trying to resist the advances of a bathing woman, trying to drag him down to her, while the thunder god makes a gesture with his finger in his mouth akin to a fishhook, perhaps knowing that he will not be able to resist much longer. The details are superbly carved, typical for the artist, and the eyes are inlaid in dark horn. Natural himotoshi and signature underneath SUKETADA with seal SHOKO.
LENGTH 4.3 cm, HEIGHT 3.8 cm
Condition: Very good condition, one inlaid eye of Raijin is lost.
Provenance: British private collection.
Auction comparison:
A closely related wood netsuke by Sensei, c. 1800, was sold by Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 29 October 2021, Vienna, lot 131 (
sold for 4,803 EUR
).