A SUPERB AND VERY LARGE WOOD NETSUKE OF ASHINAGA

A SUPERB AND VERY LARGE WOOD NETSUKE OF ASHINAGA
Unsigned
Japan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

A very large and powerfully carved wood netsuke depicting the long-legged yokai Ashinaga laughing and leaning on a large gnarly cane with one hand, the other hand resting on the back of his head in an amusing gesture. His face is particularly well-carved, his beard and long hair in the back show powerfully crafted curls. Ashinaga has an emaciated rib cage and spine, and a large protruding belly. He wears a mugwort leaf skirt with a large hyotan (double gourd) attached to his obi (belt). The wood is of a very good color, with a rich and natural hand patina, and remnants of black lacquer in the crevices. Natural himotoshi between the body and the right arm, though the netsuke could also be inserted into the belt as an obi-hasami.

HEIGHT 17 cm (!)

Condition: Good condition. Minor damages as is to be expected from an early and large figure – the edges of both feet are professionally restored, and a section of the cane has been reattached.
Provenance: British private collection, acquired in the 1970s-1980s.