A Tall wood netsuke of Ryujin's assistant

Edo period (1615-1868), late 18th/early 19th century

Edo period (1615-1868), late 18th/early 19th century
Standing with a pained expression, holding the tide-ruling tama (wish-granting jewel) with both hands, his emaciated chest laid bare, wearing an awabi (abalone) shell on his head and dressed in a skirt, scarves undulating over his arms; unsigned. 12.2cm (4¾in) high.

Provenance:
M. T. Hindson Collection.
Sold at Sotheby's, London, 14 November 1996, lot 475.

Published:
Sydney L. Moss Ltd., More Things in Heaven and Earth: Japanese Netsuke and Ojime, London, 2006, p.42, no.12.