A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF HOTEI AT SETSUBUN

A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF HOTEI AT SETSUBUN

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

Humorously carved as Hotei wearing an Okame mask on his head, pretending to be the Shinto goddess who regularly participates in the exorcism of oni on Setsubun day. The lucky god is carved standing on one foot, the other slightly raised, as he lifts one hand to fling a handful of soyabeans at the oni, the other hand holding a rice measure box (masu) with roasted beans. The face with a cheerful demeanor and a wide smile, flanked by thick, pendulous earlobes. Generously excavated himotoshi to the back. Similar examples are known by Suzuki Tokoku (1846-1913), though the present netsuke is likely by an earlier artist who may have been a pupil of Tokoku.

HEIGHT 6.4 cm

Condition: Very good condition with minor typical wear and traces of use. Minuscule nibbling to edges.

Auction comparison:
Compare a closely related wood netsuke of Hotei at Setsubun, by Tokoku, at Lempertz, Netsuke, Inro and Sagemono, 7 June 2019, Cologne, lot 366 (sold for EUR 4,960).