Four wood various figure netsuke

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

Edo period (1615-1868), late 18th/early 19th century
Comprising: Kan'u riding a horse, unsigned; 5.2cm (2in) high; the second a courtier carrying a stand of beans and performing Oni yarai (exorcism of demons) during the New Year Setsubun ceremony, the demon crouching at this feet, unsigned, 4.1cm (1 9/16in) high; the third of Ii no Hayata seated astride the nue, one hand pinning the creature on the ground and the other about to slay it with a dagger, signed beneath Joryu, 3.2cm (1¼in) high; the fourth Benkei leaning against the large bell of Miidera and dragging it along with his baton, signed Gyokko, 3.2cm (1¼in). (4).

For a very similar example, see George Lazarnick, Netsuke and Inro Artists and How to Read Their Signatures, Honolulu, Reed Publishers, 1982, p.540. Another example in ivory from the Behrens Collection is illustrated by Henri L. Joly, Behrens Collection, vol.1, London, Glendining and Co., 1913, pl.XXII, no.1128.