Unsigned Japan, Osaka, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) The ingyo (seal) netsuke carved as a lunar hare or moon rabbit surmounted on a mortar with mochi paste dripping down in the front, a pestle carved on the side. The ivory is stained a beautiful deep-yellow, now having developed a gorgeous caramel-honey patina. Small himotoshi through the mortar and the underside cut with the character Kei 啓 [to enlighten, educate, inspire]. HEIGHT 4.6 cm Condition: Good condition with a stunning patina, some natural age cracks. Old smoothed-down chip around the base of the underside. Provenance: European collection. This popular motif originates in China, where the rabbit is often portrayed as a companion of the Moon goddess Chang’e, constantly pounding the elixir of life for her. In the Japanese variation, the lunar hare is often seen pounding mochi.
Unsigned Japan, Osaka, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) The ingyo (seal) netsuke carved as a lunar hare or moon rabbit surmounted on a mortar with mochi paste dripping down in the front, a pestle carved on the side. The ivory is stained a beautiful deep-yellow, now having developed a gorgeous caramel-honey patina. Small himotoshi through the mortar and the underside cut with the character Kei 啓 [to enlighten, educate, inspire]. HEIGHT 4.6 cm Condition: Good condition with a stunning patina, some natural age cracks. Old smoothed-down chip around the base of the underside. Provenance: European collection. This popular motif originates in China, where the rabbit is often portrayed as a companion of the Moon goddess Chang’e, constantly pounding the elixir of life for her. In the Japanese variation, the lunar hare is often seen pounding mochi.
Try LotSearch and its premium features for 7 days - without any costs!
Be notified automatically about new items in upcoming auctions.
Create an alert
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
