AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A KAPPA TRAPPED BY A HAMAGURI CLAM

AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A KAPPA TRAPPED BY A HAMAGURI CLAM

Unsigned
Japan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

A finely carved study of a kappa with one hind foot caught in the jaws of a hamaguri clam, as it slouches over it. The kappa's expression is quite amusing, as it realizes its dilemma, its beaked face framed by long, finely incised hair, the entire body covered in meticulously incised scales with minute stippling, and its shell is beautifully rendered. The clam shell is naturalistically etched with swirling grooves to the top. Good, asymmetrical himotoshi underneath.

LENGTH 4.5 cm

Condition: Very good condition with minor expected wear.
Provenance: Collection Gabor Orszagh, Budapest, Hungary.

Kappa (lit. "river-child") are amphibious yokai found in traditional Japanese folklore. They are usually seen as mischievous troublemakers or trickster figures. Kappa are also exceedingly polite creatures and find it difficult to resist returning a bow. This is a problem for the kappa as the cavity on top of their head retains water, and if damaged or its liquid is lost, the kappa is severely weakened.

This depiction is an allusion to the dangers of falling in love. For if the conch, as is quite common in Japanese iconography, is seen as a symbol for the female genitals, fate has instantly turned for the kappa, who otherwise even transforms himself to seduce girls. He is the one who is trapped and has now himself become a victim of female desire.

Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 24-B-0071).

This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.