Netsuke, wood. Japan, 1st half 19th cent.
Saigyo Hoshi was priest and poet in the 12th cent. at the time of the battles between the Taira and Minamoto. In netsuke, he is either portrayed with a silver cat or with big hat, walking stick and astonished raised head. Here he is standing – alone and renouncing all wordly concerns on pilgrimmage, because his enemies won (Minamoto) and have taken control over the land - and marvelling at snow-covered Fujisan. Well-designed head, also otherwise compact and expressive, very good patina, himotoshi on the back.
HEIGHT 6,8 CM
From a German collection