A VERY RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A FOX PRIEST (HAKUZOSU)
Unsigned
Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
The fox priest Hakuzosu depicted here entirely in human form (very rare), with a finely carved face resembling an old man. He is almost entirely clothed in a hooded robe, only the face, the hands leaning on the cane, and the feet are visible. Fine patina and good asymmetrical himotoshi through the back.
Hakuzosu is the name of a popular kitsune character who shapeshifted into a priest in the Kyogen play Tsurigitsune. Kitsune (foxes) are creatures imbued with magical powers and are known to have the ability of shapeshifting. They are also believed to be animated by the devils.
HEIGHT 9.4 cm
Condition: Very good condition, the ivory slightly worn.
Provenance: Old private collection Milan, Italy.
Lot details
Unsigned
Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
The fox priest Hakuzosu depicted here entirely in human form (very rare), with a finely carved face resembling an old man. He is almost entirely clothed in a hooded robe, only the face, the hands leaning on the cane, and the feet are visible. Fine patina and good asymmetrical himotoshi through the back.
Hakuzosu is the name of a popular kitsune character who shapeshifted into a priest in the Kyogen play Tsurigitsune. Kitsune (foxes) are creatures imbued with magical powers and are known to have the ability of shapeshifting. They are also believed to be animated by the devils.
HEIGHT 9.4 cm
Condition: Very good condition, the ivory slightly worn.
Provenance: Old private collection Milan, Italy.
Sale price
Time, Location
Auction House
Unsigned
Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
The fox priest Hakuzosu depicted here entirely in human form (very rare), with a finely carved face resembling an old man. He is almost entirely clothed in a hooded robe, only the face, the hands leaning on the cane, and the feet are visible. Fine patina and good asymmetrical himotoshi through the back.
Hakuzosu is the name of a popular kitsune character who shapeshifted into a priest in the Kyogen play Tsurigitsune. Kitsune (foxes) are creatures imbued with magical powers and are known to have the ability of shapeshifting. They are also believed to be animated by the devils.
HEIGHT 9.4 cm
Condition: Very good condition, the ivory slightly worn.
Provenance: Old private collection Milan, Italy.
Lot details
Unsigned
Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
The fox priest Hakuzosu depicted here entirely in human form (very rare), with a finely carved face resembling an old man. He is almost entirely clothed in a hooded robe, only the face, the hands leaning on the cane, and the feet are visible. Fine patina and good asymmetrical himotoshi through the back.
Hakuzosu is the name of a popular kitsune character who shapeshifted into a priest in the Kyogen play Tsurigitsune. Kitsune (foxes) are creatures imbued with magical powers and are known to have the ability of shapeshifting. They are also believed to be animated by the devils.
HEIGHT 9.4 cm
Condition: Very good condition, the ivory slightly worn.
Provenance: Old private collection Milan, Italy.
Sale price
Time, Location
Auction House
