AN IVORY SHUNGA NETSUKE OF DAIKOKU WITH RICE BALE

AN IVORY SHUNGA NETSUKE OF DAIKOKU WITH RICE BALE
Unsigned
Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Amusingly carved as a short and plump-faced Daikoku with characteristically oversize earlobes, clad only in a fundoshi from under which emerges his large rice bale of phallic shape, buckling under the heavy weight of his burden but nonetheless showing a cheerful, even proud expression. Natural himotoshi between one arm and the rice bale. The back with a smooth, warm honey patina and the front with several age cracks, which add to the irresistible charm of this netsuke.
LENGTH 4.2 cm
Condition: Good condition, appealingly worn, many age cracks, superb patina.
Literature comparison:
Compare a closely related ivory netsuke illustrated in Joly, H. L. (1975) Catalogue of the H. Seymour Trower Collection of Japanese Art, pl. A, no. 537.
Auction comparison:
Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of Daikoku straining to lift a bale of rice, 4 cm high, also dated 18th century, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Works of Art, 20 March 2012, New York, lot 2109 (
sold for 8,500 USD
).
Trade Certificate:
The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0237).
This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.