A WOOD NETSUKE OF TANUKI HARA TSUZUMI
A WOOD NETSUKE OF TANUKI HARA TSUZUMI
Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
A dark wood netsuke, depicting tanuki no hara tsuzumi (belly drumming racoon dog) with finely engraved fur and double-inlaid eyes of dark horn. The two himotoshi to the lower back and to the bottom.
HEIGHT 3.7 cm
Condition: Very good condition with minor associated wear.
Provenance: Dutch private collection.
The tanuki possesses magical powers and can change forms, sometimes into Buddhist monks; they are jovial, but also dangerous, as they have been known to suffocate hunters with their enormous scrotum. The act of drumming on the belly, according to legend, was used by tanuki to beguile travelers and hunters to lead them astray. However, it has also been said that tanuki would get together just for fun, drumming on their bellies under the moonlight, perhaps even with some sake involved.
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A WOOD NETSUKE OF TANUKI HARA TSUZUMI
Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
A dark wood netsuke, depicting tanuki no hara tsuzumi (belly drumming racoon dog) with finely engraved fur and double-inlaid eyes of dark horn. The two himotoshi to the lower back and to the bottom.
HEIGHT 3.7 cm
Condition: Very good condition with minor associated wear.
Provenance: Dutch private collection.
The tanuki possesses magical powers and can change forms, sometimes into Buddhist monks; they are jovial, but also dangerous, as they have been known to suffocate hunters with their enormous scrotum. The act of drumming on the belly, according to legend, was used by tanuki to beguile travelers and hunters to lead them astray. However, it has also been said that tanuki would get together just for fun, drumming on their bellies under the moonlight, perhaps even with some sake involved.
