Netsuke-Okimono, Ivory. Japan, Meiji-period, late 19th century
Charmingly vivid composition picturing Daikoku, one of the seven gods of luck. With one foot on his hammer, he is holding a bag, on which a Shishimai (lion dance) dancer is climbing upon. A small boy is supporting his large and heavy head. A typical piece for the Meiji era – more an okimono (?decorative object“) than a netsuke, even though it still has a himotoshi. At the bottom of the bag, the signature MEI-GYOKU. Some age cracks with glue residue at the bottom.
HEIGHT 5 CM
From a German private collection