A SUPERB STAG ANTLER NETSUKE OF A SUMO WRESTLER

A SUPERB STAG ANTLER NETSUKE OF A SUMO WRESTLER
Unsigned
Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Carved from a solid, pale section of stag antler, beautifully polished, with a lustrous and tactile feel to it. Depicted is a proud sumo wrestler, dressed only in a finely decorated skirt, with a large protruding belly and hanging breasts. His arms are carved extremely well, overflowing with fat, and one hand forms a fist and the other is leaning against the body. His eye-pupils are inlaid in dark horn. The overall plasticity of the netsuke is overwhelming, especially when turning the netsuke in the hand. Much of the spongiform, porous surface of the material is reserved for the bottom and top of the netsuke, showing the artist's superior skill in working the material. Good, angled himotoshi through the back.

HEIGHT 5.1 cm

Condition: Excellent condition.
Provenance: Old Viennese private collection, collection no. 56, purchased from Dorotheum on 24th May 1991, catalog no. 36.