A FINE EDO SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF FUKAI SHIDOKEN

A FINE EDO SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF FUKAI SHIDOKEN

Unsigned
Japan, Edo (Tokyo), early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Finely carved, the dramatic storyteller holding a wooden phallus, sitting at a low table with a book spread out before him and turning his head to the right and grinning wildly from ear to ear as if having come to the punchline of his story. Excellent functional himotoshi formed by one large hole and the opening of the robe underneath.

HEIGHT 2.9 cm

Condition: Very good condition with minor expected wear. The right cheek slightly bruised.

Originally a Shingon monk, Fukai Shidoken (ca. 1680-1765) became a popular storyteller during the Edo period and was known for his eccentricity. He is most famous for his 'crossroads lecturer' and is typically depicted sitting in the Asakusa Kannon Temple precincts. He primarily told war stories, adding a fantastic and often erotic spin to them. He is known for banging the table during his stories with a wooden phallus for dramatic effect, as is depicted here.